Complement component C5 iRNA compositions and methods of use thereof

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to iRNA, e.g., double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA), compositions targeting the complement component C5 gene, and methods of using such iRNA, e.g., dsRNA, compositions to inhibit expression of C5 and to treat subjects having a complement component C5-associated disease, e.g., paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/404,862, filed on May 7, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/606,224, filed on May 26, 2017, abandoned, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/151,568, filed on May 11, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,701,963, issued on Jul. 11, 2017, which is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/976,261, filed on Dec. 21, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,850,488, issued on Dec. 26, 2017, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/699,140, filed on Apr. 29, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,249,415, issued on Feb. 2, 2016, which is a 35 U.S.C. 111(a) continuation application which claims the benefit of priority to PCT/US2014/025882, filed on Mar. 13, 2014; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/782,531, filed on Mar. 14, 2013; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/837,399, filed on Jun. 20, 2013; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/904,579, filed on Nov. 15, 2013; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/912,777, filed on Dec. 6, 2013; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/942,367, filed on Feb. 20, 2014. The entire contents of each of the foregoing patent applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

SEQUENCE LISTING

The instant application contains a Sequence Listing which has been submitted electronically in ASCII format and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Said ASCII copy, created on Jul. 6, 2021, is named Seq_Listing_50100.txt and is 735,003 bytes in size.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Complement was first discovered in the 1890s when it was found to aid or “complement” the killing of bacteria by heat-stable antibodies present in normal serum (Walport, M. J. (2001) N Engl J Med. 344:1058). The complement system consists of more than 30 proteins that are either present as soluble proteins in the blood or are present as membrane-associated proteins. Activation of complement leads to a sequential cascade of enzymatic reactions, known as complement activation pathways, resulting in the formation of the potent anaphylatoxins C3a and C5a that elicit a plethora of physiological responses that range from chemoattraction to apoptosis. Initially, complement was thought to play a major role in innate immunity where a robust and rapid response is mounted against invading pathogens. However, recently it is becoming increasingly evident that complement also plays an important role in adaptive immunity involving T and B cells that help in elimination of pathogens (Dunkelberger J R and Song W C. (2010) Cell Res. 20:34; Molina H, et al. (1996) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 93:3357), in maintaining immunologic memory preventing pathogenic re-invasion, and is involved in numerous human pathological states (Qu, H, et al. (2009) Mol Immunol. 47:185; Wagner, E. and Frank M M. (2010) Nat Rev Drug Discov. 9:43).

Complement activation is known to occur through three different pathways: alternate, classical, and lectin (FIG. 1 ), involving proteins that mostly exist as inactive zymogens that are then sequentially cleaved and activated. All pathways of complement activation lead to cleavage of the C5 molecule generating the anaphylatoxin C5a and, C5b that subsequently forms the terminal complement complex (C5b-9). C5a exerts a predominant pro-inflammatory activity through interactions with the classical G-protein coupled receptor C5aR (CD88) as well as with the non-G protein coupled receptor C5L2 (GPR77), expressed on various immune and non-immune cells. C5b-9 causes cytolysis through the formation of the membrane attack complex (MAC), and sub-lytic MAC and soluble C5b-9 also possess a multitude of non-cytolytic immune functions. These two complement effectors, C5a and C5b-9, generated from C5 cleavage, are key components of the complement system responsible for propagating and/or initiating pathology in different diseases, including paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, rheumatoid arthritis, ischemia-reperfusion injuries and neurodegenerative diseases.

To date, only one therapeutic that targets the C5-C5a axis is available for the treatment of complement component C5-associated diseases, the anti-C5 antibody, eculizumab (Soliris®). Although eculizumab has been shown to be effective for the treatment of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) and is currently being evaluated in clinical trials for additional complement component C5-associated diseases, eculizumab therapy requires weekly high dose infusions followed by biweekly maintenance infusions at a yearly cost of about $400,000. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for alternative therapies and combination therapies for subjects having a complement component C5-associated disease.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides iRNA compositions which effect the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC)-mediated cleavage of RNA transcripts of a C5 gene. The C5 gene may be within a cell, e.g., a cell within a subject, such as a human. The present invention also provides methods and combination therapies for treating a subject having a disorder that would benefit from inhibiting or reducing the expression of a C5 gene, e.g., a complement component C5-associated disease, such as paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) using iRNA compositions which effect the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC)-mediated cleavage of RNA transcripts of a C5 gene for inhibiting the expression of a C5 gene.

Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention provides a double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) agent for inhibiting expression of complement component C5, wherein the dsRNA comprises a sense strand and an antisense strand, wherein the sense strand comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 and the antisense strand comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:5.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) agent for inhibiting expression of complement component C5, wherein the dsRNA comprises a sense strand and an antisense strand, the antisense strand comprising a region of complementarity which comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from any one of the antisense sequences listed in any one of Tables 3, 4, 5, 6, 18, 19, 20, 21, and 23.

In one embodiment, the sense and antisense strands comprise sequences selected from the group consisting of A-118320, A-118321, A-118316, A-118317, A-118332, A-118333, A-118396, A-118397, A-118386, A-118387, A-118312, A-118313, A-118324, A-118325, A-119324, A-119325, A-119332, A-119333, A-119328, A-119329, A-119322, A-119323, A-119324, A-119325, A-119334, A-119335, A-119330, A-119331, A-119326, A-119327, A-125167, A-125173, A-125647, A-125157, A-125173, and A-125127. In another embodiment, the sense and antisense strands comprise sequences selected from the group consisting of any of the sequences in any one of Tables 3, 4, 5, 6, 18, 19, 20, 21, and 23. In one embodiment, the dsRNA agent comprises at least one modified nucleotide.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) agent for inhibiting expression of complement component C5, wherein the dsRNA agent comprises a sense strand and an antisense strand, wherein the sense strand comprises the nucleotide sequence AAGCAAGAUAUUUUUAUAAUA (SEQ ID NO:62) and wherein the antisense strand comprises the nucleotide sequence UAUUAUAAAAAUAUCUUGCUUUU (SEQ ID NO:113). In one embodiment, the dsRNA agent comprises at least one modified nucleotide, as described below.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a double stranded RNAi agent for inhibiting expression of complement component C5 wherein the double stranded RNAi agent comprises a sense strand and an antisense strand forming a double-stranded region, wherein the sense strand comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 and the antisense strand comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:5, wherein substantially all of the nucleotides of the sense strand and substantially all of the nucleotides of the antisense strand are modified nucleotides, and wherein the sense strand is conjugated to a ligand attached at the 3′-terminus.

In one embodiment, all of the nucleotides of the sense strand and all of the nucleotides of the antisense strand comprise a modification.

In one embodiment, substantially all of the nucleotides of the sense strand are modified nucleotides selected from the group consisting of a 2′-O-methyl modification, a 2′-fluoro modification and a 3′-terminal deoxy-thymine (dT) nucleotide. In another embodiment, substantially all of the nucleotides of the antisense strand are modified nucleotides selected from the group consisting of a 2′-O-methyl modification, a 2′-fluoro modification and a 3′-terminal deoxy-thymine (dT) nucleotide. In another embodiment, the modified nucleotides are a short sequence of deoxy-thymine (dT) nucleotides. In another embodiment, the sense strand comprises two phosphorothioate internucleotide linkages at the 5′-terminus. In one embodiment, the antisense strand comprises two phosphorothioate internucleotide linkages at the 5′-terminus and two phosphorothioate internucleotide linkages at the 3′-terminus. In yet another embodiment, the sense strand is conjugated to one or more GalNAc derivatives attached through a branched bivalent or trivalent linker at the 3′-terminus.

In one embodiment, at least one of the modified nucleotides is selected from the group consisting of a 3′-terminal deoxy-thymine (dT) nucleotide, a 2′-O-methyl modified nucleotide, a 2′-fluoro modified nucleotide, a 2′-deoxy-modified nucleotide, a locked nucleotide, an abasic nucleotide, a 2′-amino-modified nucleotide, a 2′-alkyl-modified nucleotide, a morpholino nucleotide, a phosphoramidate, a non-natural base comprising nucleotide, a nucleotide comprising a 5′-phosphorothioate group, and a terminal nucleotide linked to a cholesteryl derivative or a dodecanoic acid bisdecylamide group.

In another embodiment, the modified nucleotides comprise a short sequence of 3′-terminal deoxy-thymine (dT) nucleotides.

In one embodiment, the region of complementarity is at least 17 nucleotides in length. In another embodiment, the region of complementarity is between 19 and 21 nucleotides in length.

In one embodiment, the region of complementarity is 19 nucleotides in length.

In one embodiment, each strand is no more than 30 nucleotides in length.

In one embodiment, at least one strand comprises a 3′ overhang of at least 1 nucleotide.

In another embodiment, at least one strand comprises a 3′ overhang of at least 2 nucleotides.

In one embodiment, the dsRNA agent further comprises a ligand.

In one embodiment, the ligand is conjugated to the 3′ end of the sense strand of the dsRNA agent.

In one embodiment, the ligand is an N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) derivative.

In one embodiment, the ligand is

In one embodiment, the dsRNA agent is conjugated to the ligand as shown in the following schematic

and, wherein X is O or S.

In one embodiment, the X is O.

In one embodiment, the region of complementarity consists of one of the antisense sequences of any one of Tables 3, 4, 5, 6, 18, 19, 20, 21, and 23.

In one embodiment, the dsRNA agent is selected from the group consisting of AD-58123, AD-58111, AD-58121, AD-58116, AD-58133, AD-58099, AD-58088, AD-58642, AD-58644, AD-58641, AD-58647, AD-58645, AD-58643, AD-58646, AD-62510, AD-62643, AD-62645, AD-62646, AD-62650, and AD-62651.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) agent for inhibiting expression of complement component C5, wherein the dsRNA agent comprises a sense strand and an antisense strand, wherein the sense strand comprises the nucleotide sequence AAGCAAGAUAUUUUUAUAAUA (SEQ ID NO:62) and wherein the antisense strand comprises the nucleotide sequence UAUUAUAAAAAUAUCUUGCUUUUdTdT (SEQ ID NO:2899).

In another aspect, the present invention provides a double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) agent for inhibiting expression of complement component C5, wherein the dsRNA agent comprises a sense strand and an antisense strand, wherein the sense strand comprises the nucleotide sequence asasGfcAfaGfaUfAfUfuUfuuAfuAfauaL96 (SEQ ID NO:2876) and wherein the antisense strand comprises the nucleotide sequence usAfsUfuAfuaAfaAfauaUfcUfuGfcuususudTdT (SEQ ID NO:2889).

In one aspect, the present invention provides a double stranded RNAi agent capable of inhibiting the expression of complement component C5 in a cell, wherein the double stranded RNAi agent comprises a sense strand complementary to an antisense strand, wherein the antisense strand comprises a region complementary to part of an mRNA encoding C5, wherein each strand is about 14 to about 30 nucleotides in length, wherein the double stranded RNAi agent is represented by formula (III):

(III) sense: 5′ n_(p)-N_(a)-(X X X)_(i)-N_(b)-Y Y Y-N_(b)-(Z Z Z)_(j)-N_(a)-n_(q) 3′ antisense: 3′ n_(p)′-N_(a)′-(X′X′X′)_(k)-N_(b)′-Y′Y′Y′-N_(b)′-(Z′Z′Z′)_(l)-N_(a)′- n_(q)′ 5′

wherein:

-   -   i, j, k, and l are each independently 0 or 1;     -   p, p′, q, and q′ are each independently 0-6;     -   each N_(a) and N_(a)′ independently represents an         oligonucleotide sequence comprising 0-25 nucleotides which are         either modified or unmodified or combinations thereof, each         sequence comprising at least two differently modified         nucleotides;     -   each N_(b) and N_(b)′ independently represents an         oligonucleotide sequence comprising 0-10 nucleotides which are         either modified or unmodified or combinations thereof;     -   each n_(p), n_(p)′, n_(q), and n_(q)′, each of which may or may         not be present, independently represents an overhang nucleotide;     -   XXX, YYY, ZZZ, X′X′X′, Y′Y′Y′, and Z′Z′Z′ each independently         represent one motif of three identical modifications on three         consecutive nucleotides;     -   modifications on N_(b) differ from the modification on Y and         modifications on N_(b)′ differ from the modification on Y′; and     -   wherein the sense strand is conjugated to at least one ligand.

In one embodiment, i is 0; j is 0; i is 1; j is 1; both i and j are 0; or both i and j are 1.

In one embodiment, k is 0; l is 0; k is 1; l is 1; both k and l are 0; or both k and l are 1.

In one embodiment, XXX is complementary to X′X′X′, YYY is complementary to Y′Y′Y′, and ZZZ is complementary to Z′Z′Z′.

In one embodiment, the YYY motif occurs at or near the cleavage site of the sense strand.

In one embodiment, the Y′Y′Y′ motif occurs at the 11, 12 and 13 positions of the antisense strand from the 5′-end.

In one embodiment, the Y′ is 2′-O-methyl.

In one embodiment, formula (III) is represented by formula (IIIa):

(IIIa) sense: 5′ n_(p)-N_(a)-Y Y Y-N_(a)-n_(q) 3′ antisense: 3′ n_(p′)-N_(a′)-Y′Y′Y′-N_(a′)-n_(q′) 5′.

In another embodiment, formula (III) is represented by formula (IIIb):

(IIIb) sense: 5′ n_(p)-N_(a)-Y Y Y-N_(b)-Z Z Z-N_(a)-n_(q) 3′ antisense: 3′ n_(p′)-N_(a′)-Y′Y′Y′-N_(b′)-Z′Z′Z′-N_(a′)-n_(q′) 5′

wherein each N_(b) and N_(b)′ independently represents an oligonucleotide sequence comprising 1-5 modified nucleotides.

In yet another embodiment, formula (III) is represented by formula (IIIc):

sense: (IIIc) 5′ n_(p)-N_(a)-X X X-N_(b)-Y Y Y-N_(a)-n_(q) 3′ antisense: 3′ n_(p′)-N_(a′)-X′X′X′-N_(b′)-Y′Y′Y′-N_(a′)-n_(q′) 5′

wherein each N_(b) and N_(b)′ independently represents an oligonucleotide sequence comprising 1-5 modified nucleotides.

In another embodiment, formula (III) is represented by formula (IIId):

(IIId) sense: 5′ n_(p)-N_(a)-X X X-N_(b)-Y Y Y-N_(b)-Z Z Z-N_(a)-N_(q) 3′ antisense: 3′ n_(p′)-N_(a′)-X′X′X′-N_(b′)-Y′Y′Y-N_(b′)-Z′Z′Z′-N_(a′)-n_(q′) 5′

wherein each N_(b) and N_(b)′ independently represents an oligonucleotide sequence comprising 1-5 modified nucleotides and each N_(a) and N_(a)′ independently represents an oligonucleotide sequence comprising 2-10 modified nucleotides.

In one embodiment, the double-stranded region is 15-30 nucleotide pairs in length.

In one embodiment, the double-stranded region is 17-23 nucleotide pairs in length. In another embodiment, the double-stranded region is 17-25 nucleotide pairs in length. In another embodiment, the double-stranded region is 23-27 nucleotide pairs in length. In yet another embodiment, the double-stranded region is 19-21 nucleotide pairs in length. In another embodiment, the double-stranded region is 21-23 nucleotide pairs in length.

In one embodiment, each strand has 15-30 nucleotides.

In one embodiment, the modifications on the nucleotides are selected from the group consisting of LNA, HNA, CeNA, 2′-methoxyethyl, 2′-O-alkyl, 2′-O-allyl, 2′-C-allyl, 2′-fluoro, 2′-deoxy, 2′-hydroxyl, and combinations thereof.

In one embodiment, the modifications on the nucleotides are 2′-O-methyl or 2′-fluoro modifications.

In one embodiment, the ligand is one or more GalNAc derivatives attached through a bivalent or trivalent branched linker.

In one embodiment, the ligand is

In one embodiment, the ligand is attached to the 3′ end of the sense strand.

In one embodiment, the RNAi agent is conjugated to the ligand as shown in the following schematic

In one embodiment, the agent further comprises at least one phosphorothioate or methylphosphonate internucleotide linkage.

In one embodiment, the phosphorothioate or methylphosphonate internucleotide linkage is at the 3′-terminus of one strand.

In one embodiment, the strand is the antisense strand. In another embodiment, the strand is the sense strand.

In one embodiment, the phosphorothioate or methylphosphonate internucleotide linkage is at the 5′-terminus of one strand.

In one embodiment, the strand is the antisense strand. In another embodiment, the strand is the sense strand.

In one embodiment, the phosphorothioate or methylphosphonate internucleotide linkage is at the both the 5′- and 3′-terminus of one strand.

In one embodiment, the strand is the antisense strand.

In one embodiment, the base pair at the 1 position of the 5′-end of the antisense strand of the duplex is an AU base pair.

In one embodiment, the Y nucleotides contain a 2′-fluoro modification.

In one embodiment, the Y′ nucleotides contain a 2′-O-methyl modification.

In one embodiment, p′>0.

In one embodiment, p′=2.

In one embodiment, q′=0, p=0, q=0, and p′ overhang nucleotides are complementary to the target mRNA.

In one embodiment, q′=0, p=0, q=0, and p′ overhang nucleotides are non-complementary to the target mRNA.

In one embodiment, the sense strand has a total of 21 nucleotides and the antisense strand has a total of 23 nucleotides.

In one embodiment, at least one n_(p)′ is linked to a neighboring nucleotide via a phosphorothioate linkage.

In one embodiment, all n_(p)′ are linked to neighboring nucleotides via phosphorothioate linkages.

In one embodiment, the RNAi agent is selected from the group of RNAi agents listed in Table 4, Table 18, Table 19, or Table 23. In another embodiment, the RNAi agent is selected from the group consisting of AD-58123, AD-58111, AD-58121, AD-58116, AD-58133, AD-58099, AD-58088, AD-58642, AD-58644, AD-58641, AD-58647, AD-58645, AD-58643, AD-58646, AD-62510, AD-62643, AD-62645, AD-62646, AD-62650, and AD-62651.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a double stranded RNAi agent capable of inhibiting the expression of complement component C5 in a cell, wherein said double stranded RNAi agent comprises a sense strand complementary to an antisense strand, wherein said antisense strand comprises a region complementary to part of an mRNA encoding complement component C5, wherein each strand is about 14 to about 30 nucleotides in length, wherein said double stranded RNAi agent is represented by formula (III):

(III) sense: 5′ n_(p)-N_(a)-(X X X)_(i)-N_(b)-Y Y Y-N_(b)-(Z Z Z)_(j)-N_(a)-n_(q) 3′ antisense: 3′ n_(p)′-N_(a)′-(X′X′X′)_(k)-N_(b)′-Y′Y′Y′-N_(b)′-(Z′Z′Z′)_(l)-N_(a)′- n_(q)′ 5′

wherein:

-   -   i, j, k, and l are each independently 0 or 1;     -   p, p′, q, and q′ are each independently 0-6;     -   each N_(a) and N_(a)′ independently represents an         oligonucleotide sequence comprising 0-25 nucleotides which are         either modified or unmodified or combinations thereof, each         sequence comprising at least two differently modified         nucleotides;     -   each N_(b) and N_(b)′ independently represents an         oligonucleotide sequence comprising 0-10 nucleotides which are         either modified or unmodified or combinations thereof;         -   each n_(p), n_(p)′, n_(q), and n_(q)′, each of which may or             may not be present independently represents an overhang             nucleotide;     -   XXX, YYY, ZZZ, X′X′X′, Y′Y′Y′, and Z′Z′Z′ each independently         represent one motif of three identical modifications on three         consecutive nucleotides, and wherein the modifications are         2′-O-methyl or 2′-fluoro modifications;     -   modifications on N_(b) differ from the modification on Y and         modifications on N_(b)′ differ from the modification on Y′; and     -   wherein the sense strand is conjugated to at least one ligand.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a double stranded RNAi agent capable of inhibiting the expression of complement component C5 in a cell, wherein said double stranded RNAi agent comprises a sense strand complementary to an antisense strand, wherein said antisense strand comprises a region complementary to part of an mRNA encoding complement component C5, wherein each strand is about 14 to about 30 nucleotides in length, wherein said double stranded RNAi agent is represented by formula (III):

(III) sense: 5′ n_(p)-N_(a)-(X X X)_(i)-N_(b)-Y Y Y-N_(b)-(Z Z Z)_(j)-N_(a)-n_(q) 3′ antisense: 3′ n_(p)′-N_(a)′-(X′X′X′)_(k)-N_(b)′-Y′Y′Y′-N_(b)′-(Z′Z′Z′)_(l)-N_(a)′- n_(q)′ 5′

wherein:

-   -   i, j, k, and 1 are each independently 0 or 1;     -   each n_(p), n_(q), and n_(q)′, each of which may or may not be         present, independently represents an overhang nucleotide;         -   p, q, and q′ are each independently 0-6;         -   n_(p)′>0 and at least one n_(p)′ is linked to a neighboring             nucleotide via a phosphorothioate linkage;     -   each N_(a) and N_(a)′ independently represents an         oligonucleotide sequence comprising 0-25 nucleotides which are         either modified or unmodified or combinations thereof, each         sequence comprising at least two differently modified         nucleotides;     -   each N_(b) and N_(b)′ independently represents an         oligonucleotide sequence comprising 0-10 nucleotides which are         either modified or unmodified or combinations thereof;     -   XXX, YYY, ZZZ, X′X′X′, Y′Y′Y′, and Z′Z′Z′ each independently         represent one motif of three identical modifications on three         consecutive nucleotides, and wherein the modifications are         2′-O-methyl or 2′-fluoro modifications;     -   modifications on N_(b) differ from the modification on Y and         modifications on N_(b)′ differ from the modification on Y′; and     -   wherein the sense strand is conjugated to at least one ligand.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a double stranded RNAi agent capable of inhibiting the expression of complement component C5 in a cell, wherein said double stranded RNAi agent comprises a sense strand complementary to an antisense strand, wherein said antisense strand comprises a region complementary to part of an mRNA encoding complement component C5, wherein each strand is about 14 to about 30 nucleotides in length, wherein said double stranded RNAi agent is represented by formula (III):

(III) sense: 5′ n_(p)-N_(a)-(X X X)_(i)-N_(b)-Y Y Y-N_(b)-(Z Z Z)_(j)-N_(a)-n_(q) 3′ antisense: 3′ n_(p)′-N_(a)′-(X′X′X′)_(k)-N_(b)′-Y′Y′Y′-N_(b)′-(Z′Z′Z′)_(l)-N_(a)′- n_(q)′ 5′

wherein:

-   -   i, j, k, and l are each independently 0 or 1;     -   each n_(p), n_(q), and n_(q)′, each of which may or may not be         present, independently represents an overhang nucleotide;         -   p, q, and q′ are each independently 0-6;         -   n_(p)′>0 and at least one n_(p)′ is linked to a neighboring             nucleotide via a phosphorothioate linkage;     -   each N_(a) and N_(a)′ independently represents an         oligonucleotide sequence comprising 0-25 nucleotides which are         either modified or unmodified or combinations thereof, each         sequence comprising at least two differently modified         nucleotides;     -   each N_(b) and N_(b)′ independently represents an         oligonucleotide sequence comprising 0-10 nucleotides which are         either modified or unmodified or combinations thereof;         -   XXX, YYY, ZZZ, X′X′X′, Y′Y′Y′, and Z′Z′Z′ each independently             represent one motif of three identical modifications on             three consecutive nucleotides, and wherein the modifications             are 2′-O-methyl or 2′-fluoro modifications;     -   modifications on N_(b) differ from the modification on Y and         modifications on N_(b)′ differ from the modification on Y′; and     -   wherein the sense strand is conjugated to at least one ligand,         wherein the ligand is one or more GalNAc derivatives attached         through a bivalent or trivalent branched linker.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a double stranded RNAi agent capable of inhibiting the expression of complement component C5 in a cell, wherein said double stranded RNAi agent comprises a sense strand complementary to an antisense strand, wherein said antisense strand comprises a region complementary to part of an mRNA encoding complement component C5, wherein each strand is about 14 to about 30 nucleotides in length, wherein said double stranded RNAi agent is represented by formula (III):

(III) sense: 5′ n_(p)-N_(a)-(X X X)_(i)-N_(b)-Y Y Y-N_(b)-(Z Z Z)_(j)-N_(a)-n_(q) 3′ antisense: 3′ n_(p)′-N_(a)′-(X′X′X′)_(k)-N_(b)′-Y′Y′Y′-N_(b)′-(Z′Z′Z′)_(l)-N_(a)′- n_(q)′ 5′

wherein:

-   -   i, j, k, and l are each independently 0 or 1;     -   each n_(p), n_(q), and n_(q)′, each of which may or may not be         present, independently represents an overhang nucleotide;         -   p, q, and q′ are each independently 0-6;         -   n_(p)′>0 and at least one n_(p)′ is linked to a neighboring             nucleotide via a phosphorothioate linkage;     -   each N_(a) and N_(a)′ independently represents an         oligonucleotide sequence comprising 0-25 nucleotides which are         either modified or unmodified or combinations thereof, each         sequence comprising at least two differently modified         nucleotides;     -   each N_(b) and N_(b)′ independently represents an         oligonucleotide sequence comprising 0-10 nucleotides which are         either modified or unmodified or combinations thereof;         -   XXX, YYY, ZZZ, X′X′X′, Y′Y′Y′, and Z′Z′Z′ each independently             represent one motif of three identical modifications on             three consecutive nucleotides, and wherein the modifications             are 2′-O-methyl or 2′-fluoro modifications;     -   modifications on N_(b) differ from the modification on Y and         modifications on N_(b)′ differ from the modification on Y′;     -   wherein the sense strand comprises at least one phosphorothioate         linkage; and         -   wherein the sense strand is conjugated to at least one             ligand, wherein the ligand is one or more GalNAc derivatives             attached through a bivalent or trivalent branched linker.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a double stranded RNAi agent capable of inhibiting the expression of complement component C5 in a cell, wherein said double stranded RNAi agent comprises a sense strand complementary to an antisense strand, wherein said antisense strand comprises a region complementary to part of an mRNA encoding complement component C5, wherein each strand is about 14 to about 30 nucleotides in length, wherein said double stranded RNAi agent is represented by formula (III):

(IIIa) sense: 5′ n_(p)-N_(a)-Y Y Y-N_(a)-n_(q) 3′ antisense: 3′ n_(p)′-N_(a)′-Y′Y′Y′-N_(a)′-n_(q)′ 5′

wherein:

-   -   each n_(p), n_(q), and n_(q)′, each of which may or may not be         present, independently represents an overhang nucleotide;         -   p, q, and q′ are each independently 0-6;         -   n_(p)′>0 and at least one n_(p)′ is linked to a neighboring             nucleotide via a phosphorothioate linkage;     -   each N_(a) and N_(a)′ independently represents an         oligonucleotide sequence comprising 0-25 nucleotides which are         either modified or unmodified or combinations thereof, each         sequence comprising at least two differently modified         nucleotides;         -   YYY and Y′Y′Y′ each independently represent one motif of             three identical modifications on three consecutive             nucleotides, and wherein the modifications are 2′-O-methyl             or 2′-fluoro modifications;         -   wherein the sense strand comprises at least one             phosphorothioate linkage; and     -   wherein the sense strand is conjugated to at least one ligand,         wherein the ligand is one or more GalNAc derivatives attached         through a bivalent or trivalent branched linker.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a double stranded RNAi agent for inhibiting expression of complement component C5, wherein the double stranded RNAi agent comprises a sense strand and an antisense strand forming a double stranded region, wherein the sense strand comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 and the antisense strand comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:5, wherein substantially all of the nucleotides of the sense strand comprise a modification selected from the group consisting of a 2′-O-methyl modification and a 2′-fluoro modification, wherein the sense strand comprises two phosphorothioate internucleotide linkages at the 5′-terminus, wherein substantially all of the nucleotides of the antisense strand comprise a modification selected from the group consisting of a 2′-O-methyl modification and a 2′-fluoro modification, wherein the antisense strand comprises two phosphorothioate internucleotide linkages at the 5′-terminus and two phosphorothioate internucleotide linkages at the 3′-terminus, and wherein the sense strand is conjugated to one or more GalNAc derivatives attached through a branched bivalent or trivalent linker at the 3′-terminus.

In one embodiment, all of the nucleotides of the sense strand and all of the nucleotides of the antisense strand are modified nucleotides. In another embodiment, each strand has 19-30 nucleotides.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a cell containing a dsRNA agent of the invention.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a vector encoding at least one strand of a dsRNA agent, wherein the dsRNA agent comprises a region of complementarity to at least a part of an mRNA encoding complement component C5, wherein the dsRNA is 30 base pairs or less in length, and wherein the dsRNA agent targets the mRNA for cleavage.

In one embodiment, the region of complementarity is at least 15 nucleotides in length. In another embodiment, the region of complementarity is 19 to 21 nucleotides in length. In another embodiment, each strand has 19-30 nucleotides.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a cell comprising a vector of the invention.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition for inhibiting expression of a complement component C5 gene comprising a dsRNA agent of the invention.

In one embodiment, the RNAi agent is administered in an unbuffered solution.

In one embodiment, the unbuffered solution is saline or water.

In one embodiment, the RNAi agent is administered with a buffer solution.

In one embodiment, the buffer solution comprises acetate, citrate, prolamine, carbonate, or phosphate or any combination thereof.

In another embodiment, the buffer solution is phosphate buffered saline (PBS).

In another aspect, the present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a double stranded RNAi agent of the invention and a lipid formulation.

In one embodiment, the lipid formulation comprises a LNP. In another embodiment, the lipid formulation comprises a MC3.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a composition comprising an antisense polynucleotide agent selected from the group consisting of the sequences listed in any one of Tables 3, 4, 5, 6, 19, 18, 20, 21, and 23.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a composition comprising a sense polynucleotide agent selected from the group consisting of the sequences listed in any one of Tables 3, 4, 5, 6, 19, 18, 20, 21, and 23.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a modified antisense polynucleotide agent selected from the group consisting of the antisense sequences listed in any one of Tables 4, 6, 18, 19, 21, and 23.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a modified sense polynucleotide agent selected from the group consisting of the sense sequences listed in any one of Tables 4, 6, 18, 19, 21, and 23.

In one aspect the present invention provides methods of treating a subject having a disease or disorder that would benefit from reduction in complement component C5 expression. The methods include administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a dsRNA agent comprising a sense strand and an antisense strand, wherein the sense strand comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 and the antisense strand comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:5, thereby treating the subject.

In another aspect, the present invention provides methods of preventing at least one symptom in a subject having a disease or disorder that would benefit from reduction in complement component C5 expression. The methods include administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a dsRNA agent comprising a sense strand and an antisense strand, wherein the sense strand comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 and the antisense strand comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:5, thereby preventing at least one symptom in the subject having a disorder that would benefit from reduction in C5 expression.

In another aspect, the present invention provides methods of treating a subject having a disease or disorder that would benefit from reduction in complement component C5 expression. The methods include administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a dsRNA agent comprising a sense strand and an antisense strand, the antisense strand comprising a region of complementarity which comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from any one of the antisense sequences listed in any one of Tables 3, 4, 5, 6, 18, 19, 20, 21, 23, thereby treating the subject.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides methods of preventing at least one symptom in a subject having a disease or disorder that would benefit from reduction in complement component C5 expression. The methods include administering to the subject a prophylactically effective amount of a dsRNA agent comprising a sense strand and an antisense strand, the antisense strand comprising a region of complementarity which comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from any one of the antisense sequences listed in any one of Tables 3, 4, 5, 6, 18, 19, 20, 21, and 23, thereby preventing at least one symptom in the subject having a disorder that would benefit from reduction in C5 expression.

In one aspect, the present invention provides methods of treating a subject having a disease or disorder that would benefit from reduction in complement component C5 expression which include administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a double stranded RNAi agent, wherein the double stranded RNAi agent comprises a sense strand and an antisense strand forming a double stranded region, wherein the sense strand comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 and the antisense strand comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:5, wherein substantially all of the nucleotides of the antisense strand and substantially all of the nucleotides of the sense strand are modified nucleotides and, wherein the sense strand is conjugated to one or more ligands at the 3′-terminus.

In one embodiment, all of the nucleotides of the sense strand and all of the nucleotides of the antisense strand are modified nucleotides.

In one embodiment, the administration is subcutaneous administration.

In one embodiment, substantially all of the nucleotides of the sense strand are modified nucleotides selected from the group consisting of a 2′-O-methyl modification, a 2′-fluoro modification and a 3′-terminal dT nucleotide. In another embodiment, substantially all of the nucleotides of the antisense strand are modified nucleotides selected from the group consisting of a 2′-O-methyl modification, a 2′-fluoro modification and a 3′-terminal dT nucleotide. In another embodiment, the modified nucleotides are a short sequence of deoxy-thymine (dT) nucleotides. In another embodiment, the sense strand comprises two phosphorothioate internucleotide linkages at the 5′-terminus. In one embodiment, the antisense strand comprises two phosphorothioate internucleotide linkages at the 5′-terminus and two phosphorothioate internucleotide linkages at the 3′-terminus. In yet another embodiment, the sense strand is conjugated to one or more GalNAc derivatives attached through a branched bivalent or trivalent linker at the 3′-terminus.

In another aspect, the present invention provides methods of preventing at least one symptom in a subject having a disease or disorder that would benefit from reduction in complement component C5 expression which include administering to the subject a prophylactically effective amount of a double stranded RNAi agent, wherein the double stranded RNAi agent comprises a sense strand and an antisense strand forming a double stranded region, wherein the sense strand comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 and the antisense strand comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:5, wherein substantially all of the nucleotides of the antisense strand and substantially all of the nucleotides of the sense strand are modified nucleotides and, wherein the sense strand is conjugated to a ligand at the 3′-terminus.

In one embodiment, all of the nucleotides of the sense strand and all of the nucleotides of the antisense strand are modified nucleotides.

In one embodiment, the administration is subcutaneous administration.

In one embodiment, substantially all of the nucleotides of the sense strand are modified nucleotides selected from the group consisting of a 2′-O-methyl modification, a 2′-fluoro modification and a 3′-terminal dT nucleotide. In another embodiment, substantially all of the nucleotides of the antisense strand are modified nucleotides selected from the group consisting of a 2′-O-methyl modification, a 2′-fluoro modification and a 3′-terminal dT nucleotide. In another embodiment, the modified nucleotides are a short sequence of deoxy-thymine (dT) nucleotides. In another embodiment, the sense strand comprises two phosphorothioate internucleotide linkages at the 5′-terminus. In one embodiment, the antisense strand comprises two phosphorothioate internucleotide linkages at the 5′-terminus and two phosphorothioate internucleotide linkages at the 3′-terminus. In yet another embodiment, the sense strand is conjugated to one or more GalNAc derivatives attached through a branched bivalent or trivalent linker at the 3′-terminus.

In one aspect, the present invention provides methods of treating a subject having a disease or disorder that would benefit from reduction in complement component C5 expression. The methods include administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a dsRNA agent comprising a sense strand complementary to an antisense strand, wherein the antisense strand comprises a region complementary to part of an mRNA encoding C5, wherein each strand is about 14 to about 30 nucleotides in length, wherein the double stranded RNAi agent is represented by formula (III):

(III) sense: 5′ n_(p)-N_(a)-(X X X)_(i)-N_(b)-Y Y Y-N_(b)-(Z Z Z)_(j)-N_(a)-n_(q) 3′ antisense: 3′ n_(p)′-N_(a)′-(X′X′X′)_(k)-N_(b)′-Y′Y′Y′-N_(b)′-(Z′Z′Z′)_(l)-N_(a)′- n_(q)′ 5′

wherein:

-   -   i, j, k, and 1 are each independently 0 or 1;     -   p, p′, q, and q′ are each independently 0-6;     -   each N_(a) and N_(a)′ independently represents an         oligonucleotide sequence comprising 0-25 nucleotides which are         either modified or unmodified or combinations thereof, each         sequence comprising at least two differently modified         nucleotides;     -   each N_(b) and N_(b)′ independently represents an         oligonucleotide sequence comprising 0-10 nucleotides which are         either modified or unmodified or combinations thereof;     -   each n_(p), n_(p)′, n_(q), and n_(q)′, each of which may or may         not be present, independently represents an overhang nucleotide;         -   XXX, YYY, ZZZ, X′X′X′, Y′Y′Y′, and Z′Z′Z′ each independently             represent one motif of three identical modifications on             three consecutive nucleotides;         -   modifications on N_(b) differ from the modification on Y and             modifications on N_(b)′ differ from the modification on Y′;             and         -   wherein the sense strand is conjugated to at least one             ligand, thereby treating the subject, thereby treating a             subject having a disease or disorder that would benefit from             reduction in complement component C5 expression.

In another aspect, the present invention provides methods of preventing at least one symptom in a subject having a disease or disorder that would benefit from reduction in complement component C5 expression. The methods include administering to the subject a prophylactically effective amount of a dsRNA agent comprising a sense strand complementary to an antisense strand, wherein the antisense strand comprises a region complementary to part of an mRNA encoding C5, wherein each strand is about 14 to about 30 nucleotides in length, wherein the double stranded RNAi agent is represented by formula (III):

(III) sense: 5′ n_(p)-N_(a)-(X X X)_(i)-N_(b)-Y Y Y-N_(b)-(Z Z Z)_(j)-N_(a)-n_(q) 3′ antisense: 3′ n_(p)′-N_(a)′-(X′X′X′)_(k)-N_(b)′-Y′Y′Y′-N_(b)′-(Z′Z′Z′)_(l)-N_(a)′- n_(q)′ 5′

wherein:

-   -   i, j, k, and l are each independently 0 or 1;     -   p, p′, q, and q′ are each independently 0-6;     -   each N_(a) and N_(a)′ independently represents an         oligonucleotide sequence comprising 0-25 nucleotides which are         either modified or unmodified or combinations thereof, each         sequence comprising at least two differently modified         nucleotides;     -   each N_(b) and N_(b)′ independently represents an         oligonucleotide sequence comprising 0-10 nucleotides which are         either modified or unmodified or combinations thereof;     -   each n_(p), n_(p)′, n_(q), and n_(q)′, each of which may or may         not be present, independently represents an overhang nucleotide;         -   XXX, YYY, ZZZ, X′X′X′, Y′Y′Y′, and Z′Z′Z′ each independently             represent one motif of three identical modifications on             three consecutive nucleotides;         -   modifications on N_(b) differ from the modification on Y and             modifications on N_(b)′ differ from the modification on Y′;             and         -   wherein the sense strand is conjugated to at least one             ligand, thereby preventing at least one symptom in the             subject having a disorder that would benefit from reduction             in C5 expression, thereby preventing at least one symptom in             a subject having a disease or disorder that would benefit             from reduction in complement component C5 expression.

In one embodiment, the administration of the dsRNA to the subject causes a decrease in intravascular hemolysis, a stabilization of hemoglobin levels and/or a decrease in C5 protein accumulation.

In one embodiment, the disorder is a complement component C5-associated disease. In one embodiment, the complement component C5-associated disease is selected from the group consisting of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS), asthma, rheumatoid arthritis (RA); antiphospholipid antibody syndrome; lupus nephritis; ischemia-reperfusion injury; typical or infectious hemolytic uremic syndrome (tHUS); dense deposit disease (DDD); neuromyelitis optica (NMO); multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN); multiple sclerosis (MS); macular degeneration (e.g., age-related macular degeneration (AMD)); hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome; thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP); spontaneous fetal loss; Pauci-immune vasculitis; epidermolysis bullosa; recurrent fetal loss; pre-eclampsia, traumatic brain injury, myasthenia gravis, cold agglutinin disease, dermatomyositis bullous pemphigoid, Shiga toxin E. coli-related hemolytic uremic syndrome, C3 nephropathy, anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis, humoral and vascular transplant rejection, graft dysfunction, myocardial infarction, an allogenic transplant, sepsis, Coronary artery disease, dermatomyositis, Graves' disease, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, systemic inflammatory response sepsis, septic shock, spinal cord injury, glomerulonephritis, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, type I diabetes, psoriasis, pemphigus, autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), ITP, Goodpasture syndrome, Degos disease, antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), catastrophic APS (CAPS), a cardiovascular disorder, myocarditis, a cerebrovascular disorder, a peripheral vascular disorder, a renovascular disorder, a mesenteric/enteric vascular disorder, vasculitis, Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis, systemic lupus erythematosus-associated vasculitis, vasculitis associated with rheumatoid arthritis, immune complex vasculitis, Takayasu's disease, dilated cardiomyopathy, diabetic angiopathy, Kawasaki's disease (arteritis), venous gas embolus (VGE), and restenosis following stent placement, rotational atherectomy, membraneous nephropathy, Guillain-Barre syndrome, and percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). In another embodiment, the complement component C5-associated disease is paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). In yet another embodiment, the complement component C5-associated disease is atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS).

In one embodiment, the subject is human.

In another embodiment, the methods of the invention further include administering an anti-complement component C5 antibody, or antigen-binding fragment thereof, to the subject.

In one embodiment, the antibody, or antigen-binding fragment thereof, inhibits cleavage of complement component C5 into fragments C5a and C5b. In another embodiment, the anti-complement component C5 antibody is eculizumab.

In another embodiment, the methods of the invention further include administering a meningococcal vaccine to the subject.

In one embodiment, eculizumab is administered to the subject weekly at a dose less than about 600 mg for 4 weeks followed by a fifth dose at about one week later of less than about 900 mg, followed by a dose less than about 900 mg about every two weeks thereafter.

In another embodiment, eculizumab is administered to the subject weekly at a dose less than about 900 mg for 4 weeks followed by a fifth dose at about one week later of less than about 1200 mg, followed by a dose less than about 1200 mg about every two weeks thereafter.

In one embodiment, the subject is less than 18 years of age and eculizumab is administered to the subject weekly at a dose less than about 900 mg for 4 weeks followed by a fifth dose at about one week later of less than about 1200 mg, followed by a dose less than about 1200 mg about every two weeks thereafter.

In another embodiment, the subject is less than 18 years of age and eculizumab is administered to the subject weekly at a dose less than about 600 mg for 2 weeks followed by a third dose at about one week later of less than about 900 mg, followed by a dose less than about 900 mg about every two weeks thereafter.

In another embodiment, the subject is less than 18 years of age and eculizumab is administered to the subject weekly at a dose less than about 600 mg for 2 weeks followed by a third dose at about one week later of less than about 600 mg, followed by a dose less than about 600 mg about every two weeks thereafter.

In yet another embodiment, the subject is less than 18 years of age and eculizumab is administered to the subject weekly at a dose less than about 600 mg for 1 week followed by a second dose at about one week later of less than about 300 mg, followed by a dose less than about 300 mg about every two weeks thereafter.

In one embodiment, the subject is less than 18 years of age and eculizumab is administered to the subject weekly at a dose less than about 300 mg for 1 week followed by a second dose at about one week later of less than about 300 mg, followed by a dose less than about 300 mg about every two weeks thereafter.

In another embodiment, the methods of the invention further include plasmapheresis or plasma exchange in the subject. In one such embodiment, eculizumab is administered to the subject at a dose less than about 600 mg or at a dose less than about 300 mg.

In a further embodiment, the methods of the invention further include plasma infusion in the subject. In one such embodiment, eculizumab is administered to the subject at a dose less than about 300 mg.

In one embodiment, eculizumab is administered to the subject at a dose of about 0.01 mg/kg to about 10 mg/kg or about 0.5 mg/kg to about 15 mg/kg. In another embodiment, eculizumab is administered to the subject at a dose of about 5 mg/kg to about 15 mg/kg.

In one embodiment, eculizumab is administered to the subject at a dose selected from the group consisting of 0.5 mg/kg, 1 mg/kg, 1.5 mg/kg, 3 mg/kg, 5 mg/kg, 7 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, and 15 mg/kg.

In one embodiment, eculizumab is administered to the subject via an intravenous infusion.

In another embodiment, eculizumab is administered to the subject subcutaneously.

In one embodiment, the dsRNA agent is administered at a dose of about 0.01 mg/kg to about 10 mg/kg or about 0.5 mg/kg to about 50 mg/kg.

In another embodiment, dsRNA agent is administered at a dose of about 10 mg/kg to about 30 mg/kg.

In one embodiment, the dsRNA agent is administered at a dose selected from the group consisting of 0.5 mg/kg 1 mg/kg, 1.5 mg/kg, 3 mg/kg, 5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, and 30 mg/kg.

In one embodiment, the dsRNA agent is administered to the subject once a week. In another embodiment, the dsRNA agent is administered to the subject twice a week. In another embodiment, the dsRNA agent is administered to the subject twice a month.

In one embodiment, the dsRNA agent is administered to the subject subcutaneously.

In one embodiment, the dsRNA agent and the eculizumab are administered to the subject subcutaneously. In another embodiment, the dsRNA agent and the eculizumab are administered to the subject simultaneously.

In one embodiment, the dsRNA agent is administered to the subject first for a period of time sufficient to reduce the levels of complement component C5 in the subject, and eculizumab is administered subsequently at a dose less than about 600 mg.

In one embodiment, the levels of complement component C5 in the subject are reduced by at least about 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, or 90%.

In one embodiment, eculizumab is administered at a dose of about 100-500 mg.

In one embodiment, the methods of the invention further include measuring hemoglobin and/or LDH levels in the subject.

In one embodiment, the dsRNA is conjugated to a ligand.

In one embodiment, the ligand is conjugated to the 3′-end of the sense strand of the dsRNA.

In one embodiment, the ligand is an N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) derivative.

In one aspect, the present invention provides methods of inhibiting complement component C5 expression in a cell. The methods include contacting the cell with a dsRNA agent comprising a sense strand and an antisense strand, wherein the sense strand comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 and the antisense strand comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:5; and maintaining the cell produced in step (a) for a time sufficient to obtain degradation of the mRNA transcript of a C5 gene, thereby inhibiting expression of the C5 gene in the cell.

In another aspect, the present invention provides methods of inhibiting complement component C5 expression in a cell. The methods include contacting the cell with a dsRNA agent comprising a sense strand and an antisense strand, the antisense strand comprising a region of complementarity which comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from any one of the antisense sequences listed in any one of Tables 3, 4, 5, 6, 18, 19, 20, 21, and 23; and maintaining the cell produced in step (a) for a time sufficient to obtain degradation of the mRNA transcript of a C5 gene, thereby inhibiting expression of the C5 gene in the cell.

In another aspect, the present invention provides methods of inhibiting complement component C5 expression in a cell, which includes contacting the cell with a dsRNA agent comprising a sense strand and an antisense strand comprising a region of complementarity, the sense strand comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 and the antisense strand comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:5, wherein substantially all of the nucleotides of the antisense strand and substantially all of the nucleotides of the sense strand are modified nucleotides and, wherein the sense strand is conjugated to one or more ligands at the 3′-terminus; and maintaining the cell produced in the first step for a time sufficient to obtain degradation of the mRNA transcript of a C5 gene, thereby inhibiting expression of the C5 gene in the cell.

In one embodiment, all of the nucleotides of the sense strand and all of the nucleotides of the antisense strand are modified nucleotides.

In one embodiment, substantially all of the nucleotides of the sense strand are modified nucleotides selected from the group consisting of a 2′-O-methyl modification, a 2′-fluoro modification and a 3′-terminal dT nucleotide. In another embodiment, substantially all of the nucleotides of the antisense strand are modified nucleotides selected from the group consisting of a 2′-O-methyl modification, a 2′-fluoro modification and a 3′-terminal dT nucleotide. In another embodiment, the modified nucleotides are a short sequence of deoxy-thymine (dT) nucleotides. In another embodiment, the sense strand comprises two phosphorothioate internucleotide linkages at the 5′-terminus. In one embodiment, the antisense strand comprises two phosphorothioate internucleotide linkages at the 5′-terminus and two phosphorothioate internucleotide linkages at the 3′-terminus. In yet another embodiment, the sense strand is conjugated to one or more GalNAc derivatives attached through a branched bivalent or trivalent linker at the 3′-terminus.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides methods of inhibiting complement component C5 expression in a cell. The methods include contacting the cell with a dsRNA agent comprising a sense strand complementary to an antisense strand, wherein the antisense strand comprises a region complementary to part of an mRNA encoding C5, wherein each strand is about 14 to about 30 nucleotides in length, wherein the double stranded RNAi agent is represented by formula (III):

(III) sense: 5′ n_(p)-N_(a)-(X X X)_(i)-N_(b)-Y Y Y-N_(b)-(Z Z Z)_(j)-N_(a)-n_(q) 3′ antisense: 3′ n_(p)′-N_(a)′-(X′X′X′)_(k)-N_(b)′-Y′Y′Y′-N_(b)′-(Z′Z′Z′)_(l)-N_(a)′- n_(q)′ 5′

wherein:

-   -   i, j, k, and l are each independently 0 or 1;     -   p, p′, q, and q′ are each independently 0-6;     -   each N_(a) and N_(a)′ independently represents an         oligonucleotide sequence comprising 0-25 nucleotides which are         either modified or unmodified or combinations thereof, each         sequence comprising at least two differently modified         nucleotides;     -   each N_(b) and N_(b)′ independently represents an         oligonucleotide sequence comprising 0-10 nucleotides which are         either modified or unmodified or combinations thereof; each         n_(p), n_(p)′, n_(q), and n_(q)′, each of which may or may not         be present, independently represents an overhang nucleotide;     -   XXX, YYY, ZZZ, X′X′X′, Y′Y′Y′, and Z′Z′Z′ each independently         represent one motif of three identical modifications on three         consecutive nucleotides;     -   modifications on N_(b) differ from the modification on Y and         modifications on N_(b)′ differ from the modification on Y′; and     -   wherein the sense strand is conjugated to at least one ligand;         and maintaining the cell produced in step (a) for a time         sufficient to obtain degradation of the mRNA transcript of a C5         gene, thereby inhibiting expression of the C5 gene in the cell.

In one embodiment, the cell is within a subject.

In one embodiment, the subject is a human.

In one embodiment, the human subject suffers from a complement component C5-associated disease.

In one embodiment, the complement component C5-associated disease is selected from the group consisting of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS), asthma, rheumatoid arthritis (RA); antiphospholipid antibody syndrome; lupus nephritis; ischemia-reperfusion injury; typical or infectious hemolytic uremic syndrome (tHUS); dense deposit disease (DDD); neuromyelitis optica (NMO); multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN); multiple sclerosis (MS); macular degeneration (e.g., age-related macular degeneration (AMD)); hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome; thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP); spontaneous fetal loss; Pauci-immune vasculitis; epidermolysis bullosa; recurrent fetal loss; pre-eclampsia, traumatic brain injury, myasthenia gravis, cold agglutinin disease, dermatomyositis bullous pemphigoid, Shiga toxin E. coli-related hemolytic uremic syndrome, C3 nephropathy, anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis, humoral and vascular transplant rejection, graft dysfunction, myocardial infarction, an allogenic transplant, sepsis, Coronary artery disease, dermatomyositis, Graves' disease, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, systemic inflammatory response sepsis, septic shock, spinal cord injury, glomerulonephritis, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, type I diabetes, psoriasis, pemphigus, autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), ITP, Goodpasture syndrome, Degos disease, antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), catastrophic APS (CAPS), a cardiovascular disorder, myocarditis, a cerebrovascular disorder, a peripheral vascular disorder, a renovascular disorder, a mesenteric/enteric vascular disorder, vasculitis, Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis, systemic lupus erythematosus-associated vasculitis, vasculitis associated with rheumatoid arthritis, immune complex vasculitis, Takayasu's disease, dilated cardiomyopathy, diabetic angiopathy, Kawasaki's disease (arteritis), venous gas embolus (VGE), and restenosis following stent placement, rotational atherectomy, membraneous nephropathy, Guillain-Barre syndrome, and percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). In another embodiment, the complement component C5-associated disease is paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). In another embodiment, the complement component C5-associated disease is atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS).

In one embodiment, the methods further include contacting the cell with an anti-complement component C5 antibody, or antigen-binding fragment thereof.

In one embodiment, the antibody, or antigen-binding fragment thereof, inhibits cleavage of complement component C5 into fragments C5a and C5b.

In one embodiment, the anti-complement component C5 antibody, or antigen-binding fragment thereof, is eculizumab.

In one embodiment, the methods further include contacting the cell with a meningococcal vaccine.

In one embodiment, the cell is contacted with eculizumab weekly at a dose less than about 600 mg for 4 weeks followed by a fifth dose at about one week later of less than about 900 mg, followed by a dose less than about 900 mg about every two weeks thereafter.

In another embodiment, the cell is contacted with eculizumab weekly at a dose less than about 900 mg for 4 weeks followed by a fifth dose at about one week later of less than about 1200 mg, followed by a dose less than about 1200 mg about every two weeks thereafter.

In another embodiment, the cell is contacted with eculizumab weekly at a dose less than about 900 mg for 4 weeks followed by a fifth dose at about one week later of less than about 1200 mg, followed by a dose less than about 1200 mg about every two weeks thereafter.

In yet another embodiment, the cell is contacted with eculizumab weekly at a dose less than about 600 mg for 2 weeks followed by a third dose at about one week later of less than about 900 mg, followed by a dose less than about 900 mg about every two weeks thereafter.

In one embodiment, the cell is contacted with eculizumab weekly at a dose less than about 600 mg for 2 weeks followed by a third dose at about one week later of less than about 600 mg, followed by a dose less than about 600 mg about every two weeks thereafter.

In another embodiment, the cell is contacted with eculizumab weekly at a dose less than about 600 mg for 1 week followed by a second dose at about one week later of less than about 300 mg, followed by a dose less than about 300 mg about every two weeks thereafter.

In one embodiment, the cell is contacted with eculizumab weekly at a dose less than about 300 mg for 1 week followed by a second dose at about one week later of less than about 300 mg, followed by a dose less than about 300 mg about every two weeks thereafter.

In one embodiment, the cell is within a subject.

In one embodiment, the methods of the invention further include plasmapheresis or plasma exchange in the subject. In one embodiment, eculizumab is administered to the subject at a dose less than about 600 mg. In another embodiment, eculizumab is administered to the subject at a dose less than about 300 mg.

In one embodiment, the methods of the invention further include plasma infusion in the subject. In one embodiment, eculizumab is administered to the subject at a dose less than about 300 mg.

In one embodiment, the cell is contacted with eculizumab at a dose of about 0.01 mg/kg to about 10 mg/kg or about 0.5 mg/kg to about 15 mg/kg.

In another embodiment, the cell is contacted with eculizumab at a dose of about 5 mg/kg to about 15 mg/kg.

In one embodiment, the cell is contacted with eculizumab at a dose selected from the group consisting of 0.5 mg/kg, 1 mg/kg, 1.5 mg/kg, 3 mg/kg, 5 mg/kg, 7 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, and 15 mg/kg.

In one embodiment, eculizumab is administered to the subject via an intravenous infusion. In another embodiment, eculizumab is administered to the subject subcutaneously.

In one embodiment, the cell is contacted with the dsRNA agent at a dose of about 0.01 mg/kg to about 10 mg/kg or about 0.5 mg/kg to about 50 mg/kg.

In another embodiment, the cell is contacted with the dsRNA agent at a dose of about 10 mg/kg to about 30 mg/kg.

In one embodiment, the cell is contacted with the dsRNA agent at a dose selected from the group consisting of 0.5 mg/kg 1 mg/kg, 1.5 mg/kg, 3 mg/kg, 5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, and 30 mg/kg.

In one embodiment, the cell is contacted with the dsRNA agent once a week. In another embodiment, the dsRNA agent is administered to the subject twice a week. In another embodiment, the cell is contacted with the dsRNA agent twice a month.

In one embodiment, the dsRNA agent is administered to the subject subcutaneously.

In one embodiment, the dsRNA agent and the eculizumab are administered to the subject subcutaneously. In another embodiment, the dsRNA agent and the eculizumab are administered to the subject simultaneously.

In one embodiment, the cell is contacted with the dsRNA agent and the eculizumab simultaneously.

In one embodiment, the dsRNA agent is administered to the subject first for a period of time sufficient to reduce the levels of complement component C5 in the subject, and eculizumab is administered subsequently at a dose less than about 600 mg.

In one embodiment, the levels of complement component C5 in the subject are reduced by at least about 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, or 90%.

In one embodiment, eculizumab is administered at a dose of about 100-500 mg.

In one embodiment, the cell is contacted with the dsRNA agent first for a period of time sufficient to reduce the levels of complement component C5 in the cell, and the cell is subsequrntly contacted with eculizumab at a dose less than about 600 mg.

In one embodiment, the levels of complement component C5 in the cell are reduced by at least about 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, or 90%.

In one embodiment, the cell is contacted with eculizumab at a dose of about 100-500 mg.

In one aspect, the present invention provides methods of inhibiting the expression of C5 in a subject. The methods include administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a dsRNA agent comprising a sense strand and an antisense strand, wherein the sense strand comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 and the antisense strand comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:5, thereby inhibiting the expression of C5 in the subject.

In another aspect, the present invention provides methods of inhibiting the expression of C5 in a subject. The methods include administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a dsRNA agent comprising a sense strand and an antisense strand, the antisense strand comprising a region of complementarity which comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from any one of the antisense sequences listed in any one of Tables 3, 4, 5, 6, 18, 19, 20, 21, and 23, thereby inhibiting the expression of C5 in the subject.

In another aspect, the present invention provides methods of inhibiting complement component C5 expression in a subject which include administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a dsRNA agent comprising a sense strand and an antisense strand forming a double stranded region, wherein the sense strand comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 and the antisense strand comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:5, wherein substantially all of the nucleotides of the antisense strand and substantially all of the nucleotides of the sense strand are modified nucleotides and, wherein the sense strand is conjugated to one or more ligands at the 3′-terminus, thereby inhibiting expression of the C5 gene in the subject.

In one embodiment, all of the nucleotides of the sense strand and all of the nucleotides of the antisense strand are modified nucleotides.

In one embodiment, the administration is subcutaneous administration.

In one embodiment, substantially all of the nucleotides of the sense strand are modified nucleotides selected from the group consisting of a 2′-O-methyl modification, a 2′-fluoro modification and a 3′-terminal dT nucleotide. In another embodiment, substantially all of the nucleotides of the antisense strand are modified nucleotides selected from the group consisting of a 2′-O-methyl modification, a 2′-fluoro modification and a 3′-terminal dT nucleotide. In another embodiment, the modified nucleotides are a short sequence of deoxy-thymine (dT) nucleotides. In another embodiment, the sense strand comprises two phosphorothioate internucleotide linkages at the 5′-terminus. In one embodiment, the antisense strand comprises two phosphorothioate internucleotide linkages at the 5′-terminus and two phosphorothioate internucleotide linkages at the 3′-terminus. In yet another embodiment, the sense strand is conjugated to one or more GalNAc derivatives attached through a branched bivalent or trivalent linker at the 3′-terminus.

In another aspect, the present invention provides methods of inhibiting the expression of C5 in a subject. The methods include administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a dsRNA agent comprising a sense strand complementary to an antisense strand, wherein the antisense strand comprises a region complementary to part of an mRNA encoding C5, wherein each strand is about 14 to about 30 nucleotides in length, wherein the double stranded RNAi agent is represented by formula (III):

(III) sense: 5′ n_(p)-N_(a)-(X X X)_(i)-N_(b)-Y Y Y-N_(b)-(Z Z Z)_(j)-N_(a)-n_(q) 3′ antisense: 3′ n_(p)′-N_(a)′-(X′X′X′)_(k)-N_(b)′-Y′Y′Y′-N_(b)′-(Z′Z′Z′)_(l)-N_(a)′- n_(q)′ 5′

wherein:

-   -   i, j, k, and l are each independently 0 or 1;     -   p, p′, q, and q′ are each independently 0-6;     -   each N_(a) and N_(a)′ independently represents an         oligonucleotide sequence comprising 0-25 nucleotides which are         either modified or unmodified or combinations thereof, each         sequence comprising at least two differently modified         nucleotides;     -   each N_(b) and N_(b)′ independently represents an         oligonucleotide sequence comprising 0-10 nucleotides which are         either modified or unmodified or combinations thereof;     -   each n_(p), n_(p)′, n_(q), and n_(q)′, each of which may or may         not be present, independently represents an overhang nucleotide;         -   XXX, YYY, ZZZ, X′X′X′, Y′Y′Y′, and Z′Z′Z′ each independently             represent one motif of three identical modifications on             three consecutive nucleotides;         -   modifications on N_(b) differ from the modification on Y and             modifications on N_(b)′ differ from the modification on Y′;             and         -   wherein the sense strand is conjugated to at least one             ligand, thereby inhibiting the expression of C5 in the             subject.

In one embodiment, the methods further include administration of an anti-complement component C5 antibody, or antigen-binding fragment thereof, to the subject.

In one embodiment, the anti-complement component C5 antibody, or antigen-binding fragment thereof, is eculizumab.

In one embodiment, the antibody, or antigen-binding fragment thereof, inhibits cleavage of complement component C5 into fragments C5a and C5b.

In one embodiment, the methods of the invention further include administering a meningococcal vaccine to the subject.

In one embodiment, eculizumab is administered to the subject weekly at a dose less than about 600 mg for 4 weeks followed by a fifth dose at about one week later of less than about 900 mg, followed by a dose less than about 900 mg about every two weeks thereafter.

In another embodiment, eculizumab is administered to the subject weekly at a dose less than about 900 mg for 4 weeks followed by a fifth dose at about one week later of less than about 1200 mg, followed by a dose less than about 1200 mg about every two weeks thereafter.

In one embodiment, the subject is less than 18 years of age and eculizumab is administered to the subject weekly at a dose less than about 900 mg for 4 weeks followed by a fifth dose at about one week later of less than about 1200 mg, followed by a dose less than about 1200 mg about every two weeks thereafter.

In another embodiment, the subject is less than 18 years of age and eculizumab is administered to the subject weekly at a dose less than about 600 mg for 2 weeks followed by a third dose at about one week later of less than about 900 mg, followed by a dose less than about 900 mg about every two weeks thereafter.

In one embodiment, the subject is less than 18 years of age and eculizumab is administered to the subject weekly at a dose less than about 600 mg for 2 weeks followed by a third dose at about one week later of less than about 600 mg, followed by a dose less than about 600 mg about every two weeks thereafter.

In another embodiment, the subject is less than 18 years of age and eculizumab is administered to the subject weekly at a dose less than about 600 mg for 1 week followed by a second dose at about one week later of less than about 300 mg, followed by a dose less than about 300 mg about every two weeks thereafter.

In yet another embodiment, the subject is less than 18 years of age and eculizumab is administered to the subject weekly at a dose less than about 300 mg for 1 week followed by a second dose at about one week later of less than about 300 mg, followed by a dose less than about 300 mg about every two weeks thereafter.

In one embodiment, the methods further includeplasmapheresis or plasma exchange in the subject. In one embodiment, eculizumab is administered to the subject at a dose less than about 600 mg. In another embodiment, eculizumab is administered to the subject at a dose less than about 300 mg.

In one embodiment, the methods further include plasma infusion in the subject. In one embodiment, eculizumab is administered to the subject at a dose less than about 300 mg.

In one embodiment, eculizumab is administered to the subject at a dose of about 0.01 mg/kg to about 10 mg/kg or about 0.5 mg/kg to about 15 mg/kg. In another embodiment, eculizumab is administered to the subject at a dose of about 5 mg/kg to about 15 mg/kg.

In another embodiment, eculizumab is administered to the subject at a dose selected from the group consisting of 0.5 mg/kg, 1 mg/kg, 1.5 mg/kg, 3 mg/kg, 5 mg/kg, 7 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, and 30 mg/kg.

In one embodiment, eculizumab is administered to the subject via an intravenous infusion. In another embodiment, eculizumab is administered to the subject subcutaneously.

In one embodiment, the dsRNA agent is administered at a dose of about 0.01 mg/kg to about 10 mg/kg or about 0.5 mg/kg to about 15 mg/kg.

In one embodiment, the dsRNA agent is administered at a dose of about 10 mg/kg to about 30 mg/kg. In another embodiment, the dsRNA agent is administered at a dose selected from the group consisting of 0.5 mg/kg 1 mg/kg, 1.5 mg/kg, 3 mg/kg, 5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, and 30 mg/kg.

In one embodiment, the dsRNA agent is administered to the subject once a week. In another embodiment, the dsRNA agent is administered to the subject twice a week. In another embodiment, the dsRNA agent is administered to the subject twice a month.

In one embodiment, the dsRNA agent is administered to the subject subcutaneously.

In one embodiment, the dsRNA agent and the eculizumab are administered to the subject subcutaneously. In another embodiment, the dsRNA agent and the eculizumab are administered to the subject simultaneously.

In one embodiment, the dsRNA agent is administered to the subject first for a period of time sufficient to reduce the levels of complement component C5 in the subject, and eculizumab is administered subsequently at a dose less than about 600 mg.

In one embodiment, the levels of complement component C5 in the subject are reduced by at least about 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, or 90%.

In one embodiment, eculizumab is administered at a dose of about 100-500 mg.

In one embodiment, the dsRNA agent is conjugated to a ligand.

In one embodiment, the ligand is conjugated to the 3′-end of the sense strand of the dsRNA agent.

In one embodiment, the ligand is an N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) derivative.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic of the three complement pathways: alternattive, classical and lectin.

FIG. 2 is a graph showing the percentage of complement component C5 remaining in C57BL/6 mice following a single 10 mg/kg dose of the indicated iRNAs.

FIG. 3 is a graph showing the percentage of complement component C5 remaining in C57BL/6 mice following a single 10 mg/kg dose of the indicated iRNAs.

FIG. 4 is a graph showing the percentage of complement component C5 remaining in C57BL/6 mice 48 hours after a single 10 mg/kg dose of the indicated iRNAs.

FIG. 5A is a graph showing the percentage of hemolysis remaining at days 4 and 7 in rats after a single 2.5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, or 25 mg/kg subcutaneous dose of AD-58642.

FIG. 5B is a Western blot showing the amount of complement component C5 remaining at day 7 in rats after a single 2.5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, or 25 mg/kg subcutaneous dose of AD-58642.

FIG. 6A is a graph showing the percentage of complement component C5 remaining in C57BL/6 mice 5 days after a single 1.25 mg/kg, 2.5 mg/kg, 5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg or 25 mg/kg dose of AD-58642.

FIG. 6B is a graph showing the percentage of complement component C5 remaining in C57BL/6 mice 5 days after a single 1.25 mg/kg, 2.5 mg/kg, 5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg or 25 mg/kg dose of AD-58642.

FIG. 7A is a graph showing the percentage of hemolysis remaining at day 5 in C57BL/6 mice after a single 1.25 mg/kg, 2.5 mg/kg, 5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg or 25 mg/kg dose of AD-58642.

FIG. 7B is a graph showing the percentage of hemolysis remaining at day 5 in C57BL/6 mice after a single 1.25 mg/kg, 2.5 mg/kg, 5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg or 25 mg/kg dose of AD-58642.

FIG. 8 is a Western blot showing the amount of complement component C5 remaining at day 5 in C57BL/6 mice after a single 1.25 mg/kg, 2.5 mg/kg, 5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg or 25 mg/kg dose of AD-58642.

FIG. 9 is a graph showing the amount of complement component C5 protein remaining at days 5 and 9 in mouse serum after a single 0.625 mg/kg, 1.25 mg/kg, 2.5 mg/kg, 5.0 mg/kg, or 10 mg/kg dose of AD-58641. The lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ) of the assay is shown as a dashed line.

FIG. 10 is a is a graph showing the amount of complement component C5 protein remaining at day 8 in mouse serum after a 0.625 mg/kg, 1.25 mg/kg, or 2.5 mg/kg dose of AD-58641 at days 0, 1, 2, and 3. The lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ) of the assay is shown as a dashed line.

FIG. 11A is graph demonstrating the efficacy and cumulative effect of repeat administration of compound AD-58641 in rats and depicts the hemolytic activity remaining in the serum of rats on days 0, 4, 7, 11, 14, 18, 25, and 32 after repeat administration at 2.5 mg/kg/dose or 5.0 mg/kg/dose, q2w×3 (twice a week for 3 weeks).

FIG. 11B is a Western blot demonstrating the efficacy and cumulative effect of repeat administration of compound AD-58641 in rats and depicts the amount of complement component C5 protein remaining in the serum of the animals.

FIG. 12 is a graph showing the amount of complement component C5 protein in cynomolgus macaque serum at various time points before, during and after two rounds of subcutaneous dosing at 2.5 mg/kg or 5 mg/kg of AD-58641 every third day for eight doses. C5 protein levels were normalized to the average of the three pre-dose samples.

FIG. 13 is a graph showing the percentage of hemolysis remaining in cynomolgus macaque serum at various time points before, during and after two rounds of subcutaneous dosing at 2.5 mg/kg or 5 mg/kg of AD-58641 every third day for eight doses. Percent hemolysis was calculated relative to maximal hemolysis and to background hemolysis in control samples.

FIG. 14 is a graph showing the percentage of complement component C5 protein remaining at day 5 in the serum of C57BL/6 mice following a single 1 mg/kg dose of the indicated iRNAs.

FIG. 15 is a graph showing the percentage of complement component C5 protein remaining at day 5 in the serum of C57BL/6 mice following a single 0.25 mg/kg, 0.5 mg/kg, 1.0 mg/kg, or 2.0 mg/kg dose of the indicated iRNAs.

FIG. 16 is a graph showing the percentage of complement component C5 protein remaining in the serum of C57BL/6 mice at days 6, 13, 20, 27, and 34 following a single 1 mg/kg dose of the indicated iRNAs.

FIG. 17 is a graph showing the percentage of hemolysis remaining in rat serum at various time points following administration of a 5 mg/kg dose of the indicated compounds at days 0, 4, and 7.

FIG. 18A shows the nucleotide sequence of Homo sapiens Complement Component 5 (C5) (SEQ ID NO:1); FIG. 18B shows the nucleotide sequence of Macaca mulatta Complement Component 5 (C5) (SEQ ID NO:2); FIG. 18C shows the nucleotide sequence of Mus musculus Complement Component 5 (C5) (SEQ ID NO:3); FIG. 18D shows the nucleotide sequence of Rattus norvegicus Complement Component 5 (C5) (SEQ ID NO:4); FIG. 18E shows the reverse complement of SEQ ID NO:1 (SEQ ID NO:5); FIG. 18F shows the reverse complement of SEQ ID NO:2 (SEQ ID NO:6); FIG. 18G shows the reverse complement of SEQ ID NO:3 (SEQ ID NO:7); and FIG. 18H shows the reverse complement of SEQ ID NO:4 (SEQ ID NO:8).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides iRNA agents which effect the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC)-mediated cleavage of RNA transcripts of a complement component C5 gene.

The iRNAs of the invention include an RNA strand (the antisense strand) having a region which is about 30 nucleotides or less in length, e.g., 15-30, 15-29, 15-28, 15-27, 15-26, 15-25, 15-24, 15-23, 15-22, 15-21, 15-20, 15-19, 15-18, 15-17, 18-30, 18-29, 18-28, 18-27, 18-26, 18-25, 18-24, 18-23, 18-22, 18-21, 18-20, 19-30, 19-29, 19-28, 19-27, 19-26, 19-25, 19-24, 19-23, 19-22, 19-21, 19-20, 20-30, 20-29, 20-28, 20-27, 20-26, 20-25, 20-24, 20-23, 20-22, 20-21, 21-30, 21-29, 21-28, 21-27, 21-26, 21-25, 21-24, 21-23, or 21-22 nucleotides in length, which region is substantially complementary to at least part of an mRNA transcript of a C5 gene. The use of these iRNAs enables the targeted degradation of mRNAs of a C5 gene in mammals. Very low dosages of C5 iRNAs, in particular, can specifically and efficiently mediate RNA interference (RNAi), resulting in significant inhibition of expression of a C5 gene. The present inventors have demonstrated that iRNAs targeting C5 can mediate RNAi in vitro and in vivo, resulting in significant inhibition of expression of a C5 gene. Thus, methods and compositions including these iRNAs are useful for treating a subject who would benefit by a reduction in the levels and/or activity of a C5 protein, such as a subject having a complement component C5-associated disease, such as paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH).

The present invention also provides methods and combination therapies for treating a subject having a disorder that would benefit from inhibiting or reducing the expression of a C5 gene, e.g., a complement component C5-associated disease, such as paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) using iRNA compositions which effect the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC)-mediated cleavage of RNA transcripts of a complement component C5 gene.

The present invention also provides methods for preventing at least one symptom, e.g., hemolysis, in a subject having a disorder that would benefit from inhibiting or reducing the expression of a C5 gene, e.g., a complement component C5-associated disease, such as paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS). The present invention further provides iRNA compositions which effect the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC)-mediated cleavage of RNA transcripts of a complement component C5 gene. The C5 gene may be within a cell, e.g., a cell within a subject, such as a human.

The combination therapies of the present invention include administering to a subject having a complement component C5-associated disease, an RNAi agent of the invention and an additional therapeutic, such as anti-complement component C5 antibody, or antigen-binding fragment thereof, e.g., eculizumab. The combination therapies of the invention reduce C5 levels in the subject (e.g., by about 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or about 99%) by targeting C5 mRNA with an iRNA agent of the invention and, accordingly, allow the therapeutically (or prophylactically) effective amount of eculizumab required to treat the subject to be reduced, thereby decreasing the costs of treatment and permitting easier and more convenient ways of administering eculizumab, such as subcutaneous administration.

The following detailed description discloses how to make and use compositions containing iRNAs to inhibit the expression of a C5 gene, as well as compositions, uses, and methods for treating subjects having diseases and disorders that would benefit from inhibition and/or reduction of the expression of this gene.

I. Definitions

In order that the present invention may be more readily understood, certain terms are first defined. In addition, it should be noted that whenever a value or range of values of a parameter are recited, it is intended that values and ranges intermediate to the recited values are also intended to be part of this invention.

The articles “a” and “an” are used herein to refer to one or to more than one (i.e., to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article. By way of example, “an element” means one element or more than one element, e.g., a plurality of elements.

The term “including” is used herein to mean, and is used interchangeably with, the phrase “including but not limited to”.

The term “or” is used herein to mean, and is used interchangeably with, the term “and/or,” unless context clearly indicates otherwise.

As used herein, “complement component C5,” used interchangeably with the term “C5” refers to the well-known gene and polypeptide, also known in the art as CPAMD4, C3 and PZP-like alpha-2-macroglobulin domain-containing protein, anaphtlatoxin C5a analog, hemolytic complement (Hc), and complement C5. The sequence of a human C5 mRNA transcript can be found at, for example, GenBank Accession No. GI:38016946 (NM_001735.2; SEQ ID NO:1). The sequence of rhesus C5 mRNA can be found at, for example, GenBank Accession No. GI:297270262 (XM_001095750.2; SEQ ID NO:2). The sequence of mouse C5 mRNA can be found at, for example, GenBank Accession No. GI:291575171 (NM_010406.2; SEQ ID NO:3). The sequence of rat C5 mRNA can be found at, for example, GenBank Accession No. GI:392346248 (XM_345342.4; SEQ ID NO:4). Additional examples of C5 mRNA sequences are readily available using publicly available databases, e.g., GenBank.

The term“C5,” as used herein, also refers to naturally occurring DNA sequence variations of the C5 gene, such as a single nucleotide polymorphism in the C5 gene. Numerous SNPs within the C5 gene have been identified and may be found at, for example, NCBI dbSNP (see, e.g., ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/snp). Non-limiting examples of SNPs within the C5 gene may be found at, NCBI dbSNP Accession Nos. rs121909588 and rs121909587.

As used herein, “target sequence” refers to a contiguous portion of the nucleotide sequence of an mRNA molecule formed during the transcription of a C5 gene, including mRNA that is a product of RNA processing of a primary transcription product. In one embodiment, the target portion of the sequence will be at least long enough to serve as a substrate for iRNA-directed cleavage at or near that portion of the nucleotide sequence of an mRNA molecule formed during the transcription of a C5 gene.

The target sequence may be from about 9-36 nucleotides in length, e.g., about 15-30 nucleotides in length. For example, the target sequence can be from about 15-30 nucleotides, 15-29, 15-28, 15-27, 15-26, 15-25, 15-24, 15-23, 15-22, 15-21, 15-20, 15-19, 15-18, 15-17, 18-30, 18-29, 18-28, 18-27, 18-26, 18-25, 18-24, 18-23, 18-22, 18-21, 18-20, 19-30, 19-29, 19-28, 19-27, 19-26, 19-25, 19-24, 19-23, 19-22, 19-21, 19-20, 20-30, 20-29, 20-28, 20-27, 20-26, 20-25, 20-24, 20-23, 20-22, 20-21, 21-30, 21-29, 21-28, 21-27, 21-26, 21-25, 21-24, 21-23, or 21-22 nucleotides in length. Ranges and lengths intermediate to the above recited ranges and lengths are also contemplated to be part of the invention.

As used herein, the term “strand comprising a sequence” refers to an oligonucleotide comprising a chain of nucleotides that is described by the sequence referred to using the standard nucleotide nomenclature.

“G,” “C,” “A,” “T” and “U” each generally stand for a nucleotide that contains guanine, cytosine, adenine, thymidine and uracil as a base, respectively. However, it will be understood that the term “ribonucleotide” or “nucleotide” can also refer to a modified nucleotide, as further detailed below, or a surrogate replacement moiety (see, e.g., Table 2). The skilled person is well aware that guanine, cytosine, adenine, and uracil can be replaced by other moieties without substantially altering the base pairing properties of an oligonucleotide comprising a nucleotide bearing such replacement moiety. For example, without limitation, a nucleotide comprising inosine as its base can base pair with nucleotides containing adenine, cytosine, or uracil. Hence, nucleotides containing uracil, guanine, or adenine can be replaced in the nucleotide sequences of dsRNA featured in the invention by a nucleotide containing, for example, inosine. In another example, adenine and cytosine anywhere in the oligonucleotide can be replaced with guanine and uracil, respectively to form G-U Wobble base pairing with the target mRNA. Sequences containing such replacement moieties are suitable for the compositions and methods featured in the invention.

The terms “iRNA”, “RNAi agent,” “iRNA agent,”, “RNA interference agent” as used interchangeably herein, refer to an agent that contains RNA as that term is defined herein, and which mediates the targeted cleavage of an RNA transcript via an RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) pathway. iRNA directs the sequence-specific degradation of mRNA through a process known as RNA interference (RNAi). The iRNA modulates, e.g., inhibits, the expression of C5 in a cell, e.g., a cell within a subject, such as a mammalian subject.

In one embodiment, an RNAi agent of the invention includes a single stranded RNA that interacts with a target RNA sequence, e.g., a C5 target mRNA sequence, to direct the cleavage of the target RNA. Without wishing to be bound by theory it is believed that long double stranded RNA introduced into cells is broken down into siRNA by a Type III endonuclease known as Dicer (Sharp et al. (2001) Genes Dev. 15:485). Dicer, a ribonuclease-III-like enzyme, processes the dsRNA into 19-23 base pair short interfering RNAs with characteristic two base 3′ overhangs (Bernstein, et al., (2001) Nature 409:363). The siRNAs are then incorporated into an RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) where one or more helicases unwind the siRNA duplex, enabling the complementary antisense strand to guide target recognition (Nykanen, et al., (2001) Cell 107:309). Upon binding to the appropriate target mRNA, one or more endonucleases within the RISC cleave the target to induce silencing (Elbashir, et al., (2001) Genes Dev. 15:188). Thus, in one aspect the invention relates to a single stranded RNA (siRNA) generated within a cell and which promotes the formation of a RISC complex to effect silencing of the target gene, i.e., a C5 gene. Accordingly, the term “siRNA” is also used herein to refer to an RNAi as described above.

In another embodiment, the RNAi agent may be a single-stranded siRNA that is introduced into a cell or organism to inhibit a target mRNA. Single-stranded RNAi agents bind to the RISC endonuclease, Argonaute 2, which then cleaves the target mRNA. The single-stranded siRNAs are generally 15-30 nucleotides and are chemically modified. The design and testing of single-stranded siRNAs are described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,101,348 and in Lima et al., (2012) Cell 150: 883-894, the entire contents of each of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. Any of the antisense nucleotide sequences described herein may be used as a single-stranded siRNA as described herein or as chemically modified by the methods described in Lima et al., (2012) Cell 150; 883-894.

In another embodiment, an “iRNA” for use in the compositions, uses, and methods of the invention is a double-stranded RNA and is referred to herein as a “double stranded RNAi agent,” “double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) molecule,” “dsRNA agent,” or “dsRNA”. The term “dsRNA”, refers to a complex of ribonucleic acid molecules, having a duplex structure comprising two anti-parallel and substantially complementary nucleic acid strands, referred to as having “sense” and “antisense” orientations with respect to a target RNA, i.e., a C5 gene. In some embodiments of the invention, a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) triggers the degradation of a target RNA, e.g., an mRNA, through a post-transcriptional gene-silencing mechanism referred to herein as RNA interference or RNAi.

In general, the majority of nucleotides of each strand of a dsRNA molecule are ribonucleotides, but as described in detail herein, each or both strands can also include one or more non-ribonucleotides, e.g., a deoxyribonucleotide and/or a modified nucleotide. In addition, as used in this specification, an “RNAi agent” may include ribonucleotides with chemical modifications; an RNAi agent may include substantial modifications at multiple nucleotides. Such modifications may include all types of modifications disclosed herein or known in the art. Any such modifications, as used in a siRNA type molecule, are encompassed by “RNAi agent” for the purposes of this specification and claims.

The duplex region may be of any length that permits specific degradation of a desired target RNA through a RISC pathway, and may range from about 9 to 36 base pairs in length, e.g., about 15-30 base pairs in length, for example, about 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, or 36 base pairs in length, such as about 15-30, 15-29, 15-28, 15-27, 15-26, 15-25, 15-24, 15-23, 15-22, 15-21, 15-20, 15-19, 15-18, 15-17, 18-30, 18-29, 18-28, 18-27, 18-26, 18-25, 18-24, 18-23, 18-22, 18-21, 18-20, 19-30, 19-29, 19-28, 19-27, 19-26, 19-25, 19-24, 19-23, 19-22, 19-21, 19-20, 20-30, 20-29, 20-28, 20-27, 20-26, 20-25, 20-24, 20-23, 20-22, 20-21, 21-30, 21-29, 21-28, 21-27, 21-26, 21-25, 21-24, 21-23, or 21-22 base pairs in length. Ranges and lengths intermediate to the above recited ranges and lengths are also contemplated to be part of the invention.

The two strands forming the duplex structure may be different portions of one larger RNA molecule, or they may be separate RNA molecules. Where the two strands are part of one larger molecule, and therefore are connected by an uninterrupted chain of nucleotides between the 3′-end of one strand and the 5′-end of the respective other strand forming the duplex structure, the connecting RNA chain is referred to as a “hairpin loop.” A hairpin loop can comprise at least one unpaired nucleotide. In some embodiments, the hairpin loop can comprise at least 2, at least 3, at least 4, at least 5, at least 6, at least 7, at least 8, at least 9, at least 10, at least 20, at least 23 or more unpaired nucleotides.

Where the two substantially complementary strands of a dsRNA are comprised by separate RNA molecules, those molecules need not, but can be covalently connected. Where the two strands are connected covalently by means other than an uninterrupted chain of nucleotides between the 3′-end of one strand and the 5′-end of the respective other strand forming the duplex structure, the connecting structure is referred to as a “linker.” The RNA strands may have the same or a different number of nucleotides. The maximum number of base pairs is the number of nucleotides in the shortest strand of the dsRNA minus any overhangs that are present in the duplex. In addition to the duplex structure, an RNAi may comprise one or more nucleotide overhangs.

In one embodiment, an RNAi agent of the invention is a dsRNA of 24-30 nucleotides that interacts with a target RNA sequence, e.g., a C5 target mRNA sequence, to direct the cleavage of the target RNA. Without wishing to be bound by theory, long double stranded RNA introduced into cells is broken down into siRNA by a Type III endonuclease known as Dicer (Sharp et al. (2001) Genes Dev. 15:485). Dicer, a ribonuclease-III-like enzyme, processes the dsRNA into 19-23 base pair short interfering RNAs with characteristic two base 3′ overhangs (Bernstein, et al., (2001) Nature 409:363). The siRNAs are then incorporated into an RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) where one or more helicases unwind the siRNA duplex, enabling the complementary antisense strand to guide target recognition (Nykanen, et al., (2001) Cell 107:309). Upon binding to the appropriate target mRNA, one or more endonucleases within the RISC cleave the target to induce silencing (Elbashir, et al., (2001) Genes Dev. 15:188).

As used herein, the term “nucleotide overhang” refers to at least one unpaired nucleotide that protrudes from the duplex structure of an iRNA, e.g., a dsRNA. For example, when a 3′-end of one strand of a dsRNA extends beyond the 5′-end of the other strand, or vice versa, there is a nucleotide overhang. A dsRNA can comprise an overhang of at least one nucleotide; alternatively the overhang can comprise at least two nucleotides, at least three nucleotides, at least four nucleotides, at least five nucleotides or more. A nucleotide overhang can comprise or consist of a nucleotide/nucleoside analog, including a deoxynucleotide/nucleoside. The overhang(s) can be on the sense strand, the antisense strand or any combination thereof. Furthermore, the nucleotide(s) of an overhang can be present on the 5′-end, 3′-end or both ends of either an antisense or sense strand of a dsRNA.

In one embodiment, the antisense strand of a dsRNA has a 1-10 nucleotide, e.g., a 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 nucleotide, overhang at the 3′-end and/or the 5′-end. In one embodiment, the sense strand of a dsRNA has a 1-10 nucleotide, e.g., a 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 nucleotide, overhang at the 3′-end and/or the 5′-end. In another embodiment, one or more of the nucleotides in the overhang is replaced with a nucleoside thiophosphate.

“Blunt” or “blunt end” means that there are no unpaired nucleotides at that end of the double stranded RNAi agent, i.e., no nucleotide overhang. A “blunt ended” RNAi agent is a dsRNA that is double-stranded over its entire length, i.e., no nucleotide overhang at either end of the molecule. The RNAi agents of the invention include RNAi agents with nucleotide overhangs at one end (i.e., agents with one overhang and one blunt end) or with nucleotide overhangs at both ends.

The term “antisense strand” or “guide strand” refers to the strand of an iRNA, e.g., a dsRNA, which includes a region that is substantially complementary to a target sequence, e.g., a C5 mRNA. As used herein, the term “region of complementarity” refers to the region on the antisense strand that is substantially complementary to a sequence, for example a target sequence, e.g., a C5 nucleotide sequence, as defined herein. Where the region of complementarity is not fully complementary to the target sequence, the mismatches can be in the internal or terminal regions of the molecule. Generally, the most tolerated mismatches are in the terminal regions, e.g., within 5, 4, 3, or 2 nucleotides of the 5′- and/or 3′-terminus of the iRNA.

The term “sense strand,” or “passenger strand” as used herein, refers to the strand of an iRNA that includes a region that is substantially complementary to a region of the antisense strand as that term is defined herein.

As used herein, the term “cleavage region” refers to a region that is located immediately adjacent to the cleavage site. The cleavage site is the site on the target at which cleavage occurs. In some embodiments, the cleavage region comprises three bases on either end of, and immediately adjacent to, the cleavage site. In some embodiments, the cleavage region comprises two bases on either end of, and immediately adjacent to, the cleavage site. In some embodiments, the cleavage site specifically occurs at the site bound by nucleotides 10 and 11 of the antisense strand, and the cleavage region comprises nucleotides 11, 12 and 13.

As used herein, and unless otherwise indicated, the term “complementary,” when used to describe a first nucleotide sequence in relation to a second nucleotide sequence, refers to the ability of an oligonucleotide or polynucleotide comprising the first nucleotide sequence to hybridize and form a duplex structure under certain conditions with an oligonucleotide or polynucleotide comprising the second nucleotide sequence, as will be understood by the skilled person. Such conditions can, for example, be stringent conditions, where stringent conditions can include: 400 mM NaCl, 40 mM PIPES pH 6.4, 1 mM EDTA, 50° C. or 70° C. for 12-16 hours followed by washing (see, e.g., “Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, Sambrook, et al. (1989) Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press). Other conditions, such as physiologically relevant conditions as can be encountered inside an organism, can apply. The skilled person will be able to determine the set of conditions most appropriate for a test of complementarity of two sequences in accordance with the ultimate application of the hybridized nucleotides.

Complementary sequences within an iRNA, e.g., within a dsRNA as described herein, include base-pairing of the oligonucleotide or polynucleotide comprising a first nucleotide sequence to an oligonucleotide or polynucleotide comprising a second nucleotide sequence over the entire length of one or both nucleotide sequences. Such sequences can be referred to as “fully complementary” with respect to each other herein. However, where a first sequence is referred to as “substantially complementary” with respect to a second sequence herein, the two sequences can be fully complementary, or they can form one or more, but generally not more than 5, 4, 3 or 2 mismatched base pairs upon hybridization for a duplex up to 30 base pairs, while retaining the ability to hybridize under the conditions most relevant to their ultimate application, e.g., inhibition of gene expression via a RISC pathway. However, where two oligonucleotides are designed to form, upon hybridization, one or more single stranded overhangs, such overhangs shall not be regarded as mismatches with regard to the determination of complementarity. For example, a dsRNA comprising one oligonucleotide 21 nucleotides in length and another oligonucleotide 23 nucleotides in length, wherein the longer oligonucleotide comprises a sequence of 21 nucleotides that is fully complementary to the shorter oligonucleotide, can yet be referred to as “fully complementary” for the purposes described herein.

“Complementary” sequences, as used herein, can also include, or be formed entirely from, non-Watson-Crick base pairs and/or base pairs formed from non-natural and modified nucleotides, in so far as the above requirements with respect to their ability to hybridize are fulfilled. Such non-Watson-Crick base pairs include, but are not limited to, G:U Wobble or Hoogstein base pairing.

The terms “complementary,” “fully complementary” and “substantially complementary” herein can be used with respect to the base matching between the sense strand and the antisense strand of a dsRNA, or between the antisense strand of an iRNA agent and a target sequence, as will be understood from the context of their use.

As used herein, a polynucleotide that is “substantially complementary to at least part of” a messenger RNA (mRNA) refers to a polynucleotide that is substantially complementary to a contiguous portion of the mRNA of interest (e.g., an mRNA encoding C5). For example, a polynucleotide is complementary to at least a part of a C5 mRNA if the sequence is substantially complementary to a non-interrupted portion of an mRNA encoding C5.

In general, the majority of nucleotides of each strand are ribonucleotides, but as described in detail herein, each or both strands can also include one or more non-ribonucleotides, e.g., a deoxyribonucleotide and/or a modified nucleotide. In addition, an “iRNA” may include ribonucleotides with chemical modifications. Such modifications may include all types of modifications disclosed herein or known in the art. Any such modifications, as used in an iRNA molecule, are encompassed by “iRNA” for the purposes of this specification and claims.

In one aspect of the invention, an agent for use in the methods and compositions of the invention is a single-stranded antisense RNA molecule that inhibits a target mRNA via an antisense inhibition mechanism. The single-stranded antisense RNA molecule is complementary to a sequence within the target mRNA. The single-stranded antisense oligonucleotides can inhibit translation in a stoichiometric manner by base pairing to the mRNA and physically obstructing the translation machinery, see Dias, N. et al., (2002) Mol Cancer Ther 1:347-355. The single-stranded antisense RNA molecule may be about 15 to about 30 nucleotides in length and have a sequence that is complementary to a target sequence. For example, the single-stranded antisense RNA molecule may comprise a sequence that is at least about 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, or more contiguous nucleotides from any one of the antisense sequences described herein.

The term “lipid nanoparticle” or “LNP” is a vesicle comprising a lipid layer encapsulating a pharmaceutically active molecule, such as a nucleic acid molecule, e.g., an iRNA or a plasmid from which an iRNA is transcribed. LNPs are described in, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,858,225, 6,815,432, 8,158,601, and 8,058,069, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

As used herein, a “subject” is an animal, such as a mammal, including a primate (such as a human, a non-human primate, e.g., a monkey, and a chimpanzee), a non-primate (such as a cow, a pig, a camel, a llama, a horse, a goat, a rabbit, a sheep, a hamster, a guinea pig, a cat, a dog, a rat, a mouse, a horse, and a whale), or a bird (e.g., a duck or a goose). In an embodiment, the subject is a human, such as a human being treated or assessed for a disease, disorder or condition that would benefit from reduction in C5 expression; a human at risk for a disease, disorder or condition that would benefit from reduction in C5 expression; a human having a disease, disorder or condition that would benefit from reduction in C5 expression; and/or human being treated for a disease, disorder or condition that would benefit from reduction in C5 expression as described herein.

As used herein, the terms “treating” or “treatment” refer to a beneficial or desired result including, but not limited to, alleviation or amelioration of one or more symptoms associated with unwanted complement pathway activation (e.g., hemolysis and/or chronic inflammation); diminishing the extent of unwanted complement pathway activation; stabilization (i.e., not worsening) of the state of chronic inflammation and/or hemolysis; amelioration or palliation of unwanted complement pathway activation (e.g., chronic inflammation and/or hemolysis) whether detectable or undetectable. “Treatment” can also mean prolonging survival as compared to expected survival in the absence of treatment.

The term “lower” in the context of the level of a complement component C5 in a subject or a disease marker or symptom refers to a statistically significant decrease in such level. The decrease can be, for example, at least 10%, at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%, at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or more and is preferably down to a level accepted as within the range of normal for an individual without such disorder.

As used herein, “prevention” or “preventing,” when used in reference to a disease, disorder or condition thereof, that would benefit from a reduction in expression of a C5 gene, refers to a reduction in the likelihood that a subject will develop a symptom associated with such a disease, disorder, or condition, e.g., a symptom of unwanted complement activation, such as a chronic inflammation, hemolysis and/or thrombosis. The likelihood of developing a thrombosis is reduced, for example, when an individual having one or more risk factors for a thrombosis either fails to develop a thrombosis or develops a thrombosis with less severity relative to a population having the same risk factors and not receiving treatment as described herein. The failure to develop a disease, disorder or condition, or the reduction in the development of a symptom associated with such a disease, disorder or condition (e.g., by at least about 10% on a clinically accepted scale for that disease or disorder), or the exhibition of delayed symptoms delayed (e.g., by days, weeks, months or years) is considered effective prevention.

As used herein, the term “complement component C5-associated disease” is a disease or disorder that is caused by, or associated with complement activation. Such diseases are typically associated with inflammation and/or immune system activation, e.g., membrane attack complex-mediated lysis, anaphylaxis, and/or hemolysis. Non-limiting examples of complement component C5-associated diseases include paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS), asthma, rheumatoid arthritis (RA); antiphospholipid antibody syndrome; lupus nephritis; ischemia-reperfusion injury; typical or infectious hemolytic uremic syndrome (tHUS); dense deposit disease (DDD); neuromyelitis optica (NMO); multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN); multiple sclerosis (MS); macular degeneration (e.g., age-related macular degeneration (AMD)); hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome; thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP); spontaneous fetal loss; Pauci-immune vasculitis; epidermolysis bullosa; recurrent fetal loss; pre-eclampsia, traumatic brain injury, myasthenia gravis, cold agglutinin disease, dermatomyositis bullous pemphigoid, Shiga toxin E. coli-related hemolytic uremic syndrome, C3 nephropathy, anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (e.g., granulomatosis with polyangiitis (previously known as Wegener granulomatosis), Churg-Strauss syndrome, and microscopic polyangiitis), humoral and vascular transplant rejection, graft dysfunction, myocardial infarction (e.g., tissue damage and ischemia in myocardial infarction), an allogenic transplant, sepsis (e.g., poor outcome in sepsis), Coronary artery disease, dermatomyositis, Graves' disease, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, systemic inflammatory response sepsis, septic shock, spinal cord injury, glomerulonephritis, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, type I diabetes, psoriasis, pemphigus, autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), ITP, Goodpasture syndrome, Degos disease, antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), catastrophic APS (CAPS), a cardiovascular disorder, myocarditis, a cerebrovascular disorder, a peripheral (e.g., musculoskeletal) vascular disorder, a renovascular disorder, a mesenteric/enteric vascular disorder, vasculitis, Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis, systemic lupus erythematosus-associated vasculitis, vasculitis associated with rheumatoid arthritis, immune complex vasculitis, Takayasu's disease, dilated cardiomyopathy, diabetic angiopathy, Kawasaki's disease (arteritis), venous gas embolus (VGE), and restenosis following stent placement, rotational atherectomy, membraneous nephropathy, Guillain-Barre syndrome, and percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) (see, e.g., Holers (2008) Immunological Reviews 223:300-316; Holers and Thurman (2004) Molecular Immunology 41:147-152; U.S. Patent Publication No. 20070172483).

In one embodiment, a complement component C5-associated disease is paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). The PNH may be classical PNH or PNH in the setting of another bone marrow failure syndrome and/or myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), e.g., cytopenias. In another embodiment, a complement component C5-associated disease is atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS).

II. iRNAs of the Invention

The present invention provides iRNAs which inhibit the expression of a complement component C5 gene. In one embodiment, the iRNA agent includes double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) molecules for inhibiting the expression of a C5 gene in a cell, such as a cell within a subject, e.g., a mammal, such as a human having a complement component C5-associated disease, e.g., PNH. The dsRNA includes an antisense strand having a region of complementarity which is complementary to at least a part of an mRNA formed in the expression of a C5 gene. The region of complementarity is about 30 nucleotides or less in length (e.g., about 30, 29, 28, 27, 26, 25, 24, 23, 22, 21, 20, 19, or 18 nucleotides or less in length). Upon contact with a cell expressing the C5 gene, the iRNA inhibits the expression of the C5 gene (e.g., a human, a primate, a non-primate, or a bird C5 gene) by at least about 10% as assayed by, for example, a PCR or branched DNA (bDNA)-based method, or by a protein-based method, such as by immunofluorescence analysis, using, for example, Western Blotting or flowcytometric techniques.

A dsRNA includes two RNA strands that are complementary and hybridize to form a duplex structure under conditions in which the dsRNA will be used. One strand of a dsRNA (the antisense strand) includes a region of complementarity that is substantially complementary, and generally fully complementary, to a target sequence. The target sequence can be derived from the sequence of an mRNA formed during the expression of a C5 gene. The other strand (the sense strand) includes a region that is complementary to the antisense strand, such that the two strands hybridize and form a duplex structure when combined under suitable conditions. As described elsewhere herein and as known in the art, the complementary sequences of a dsRNA can also be contained as self-complementary regions of a single nucleic acid molecule, as opposed to being on separate oligonucleotides.

Generally, the duplex structure is between 15 and 30 base pairs in length, e.g., between, 15-29, 15-28, 15-27, 15-26, 15-25, 15-24, 15-23, 15-22, 15-21, 15-20, 15-19, 15-18, 15-17, 18-30, 18-29, 18-28, 18-27, 18-26, 18-25, 18-24, 18-23, 18-22, 18-21, 18-20, 19-30, 19-29, 19-28, 19-27, 19-26, 19-25, 19-24, 19-23, 19-22, 19-21, 19-20, 20-30, 20-29, 20-28, 20-27, 20-26, 20-25, 20-24, 20-23, 20-22, 20-21, 21-30, 21-29, 21-28, 21-27, 21-26, 21-25, 21-24, 21-23, or 21-22 base pairs in length. Ranges and lengths intermediate to the above recited ranges and lengths are also contemplated to be part of the invention.

Similarly, the region of complementarity to the target sequence is between 15 and 30 nucleotides in length, e.g., between 15-29, 15-28, 15-27, 15-26, 15-25, 15-24, 15-23, 15-22, 15-21, 15-20, 15-19, 15-18, 15-17, 18-30, 18-29, 18-28, 18-27, 18-26, 18-25, 18-24, 18-23, 18-22, 18-21, 18-20, 19-30, 19-29, 19-28, 19-27, 19-26, 19-25, 19-24, 19-23, 19-22, 19-21, 19-20, 20-30, 20-29, 20-28, 20-27, 20-26, 20-25, 20-24, 20-23, 20-22, 20-21, 21-30, 21-29, 21-28, 21-27, 21-26, 21-25, 21-24, 21-23, or 21-22 nucleotides in length. Ranges and lengths intermediate to the above recited ranges and lengths are also contemplated to be part of the invention.

In some embodiments, the dsRNA is between about 15 and about 20 nucleotides in length, or between about 25 and about 30 nucleotides in length. In general, the dsRNA is long enough to serve as a substrate for the Dicer enzyme. For example, it is well-known in the art that dsRNAs longer than about 21-23 nucleotides in length may serve as substrates for Dicer. As the ordinarily skilled person will also recognize, the region of an RNA targeted for cleavage will most often be part of a larger RNA molecule, often an mRNA molecule. Where relevant, a “part” of an mRNA target is a contiguous sequence of an mRNA target of sufficient length to allow it to be a substrate for RNAi-directed cleavage (i.e., cleavage through a RISC pathway).

One of skill in the art will also recognize that the duplex region is a primary functional portion of a dsRNA, e.g., a duplex region of about 9 to 36 base pairs, e.g., about 10-36, 11-36, 12-36, 13-36, 14-36, 15-36, 9-35, 10-35, 11-35, 12-35, 13-35, 14-35, 15-35, 9-34, 10-34, 11-34, 12-34, 13-34, 14-34, 15-34, 9-33, 10-33, 11-33, 12-33, 13-33, 14-33, 15-33, 9-32, 10-32, 11-32, 12-32, 13-32, 14-32, 15-32, 9-31, 10-31, 11-31, 12-31, 13-32, 14-31, 15-31, 15-30, 15-29, 15-28, 15-27, 15-26, 15-25, 15-24, 15-23, 15-22, 15-21, 15-20, 15-19, 15-18, 15-17, 18-30, 18-29, 18-28, 18-27, 18-26, 18-25, 18-24, 18-23, 18-22, 18-21, 18-20, 19-30, 19-29, 19-28, 19-27, 19-26, 19-25, 19-24, 19-23, 19-22, 19-21, 19-20, 20-30, 20-29, 20-28, 20-27, 20-26, 20-25, 20-24, 20-23, 20-22, 20-21, 21-30, 21-29, 21-28, 21-27, 21-26, 21-25, 21-24, 21-23, or 21-22 base pairs. Thus, in one embodiment, to the extent that it becomes processed to a functional duplex, of e.g., 15-30 base pairs, that targets a desired RNA for cleavage, an RNA molecule or complex of RNA molecules having a duplex region greater than 30 base pairs is a dsRNA. Thus, an ordinarily skilled artisan will recognize that in one embodiment, a miRNA is a dsRNA. In another embodiment, a dsRNA is not a naturally occurring miRNA. In another embodiment, an iRNA agent useful to target C5 expression is not generated in the target cell by cleavage of a larger dsRNA.

A dsRNA as described herein can further include one or more single-stranded nucleotide overhangs e.g., 1, 2, 3, or 4 nucleotides. dsRNAs having at least one nucleotide overhang can have unexpectedly superior inhibitory properties relative to their blunt-ended counterparts. A nucleotide overhang can comprise or consist of a nucleotide/nucleoside analog, including a deoxynucleotide/nucleoside. The overhang(s) can be on the sense strand, the antisense strand or any combination thereof. Furthermore, the nucleotide(s) of an overhang can be present on the 5′-end, 3′-end or both ends of either an antisense or sense strand of a dsRNA.

A dsRNA can be synthesized by standard methods known in the art as further discussed below, e.g., by use of an automated DNA synthesizer, such as are commercially available from, for example, Biosearch, Applied Biosystems, Inc.

iRNA compounds of the invention may be prepared using a two-step procedure. First, the individual strands of the double-stranded RNA molecule are prepared separately. Then, the component strands are annealed. The individual strands of the siRNA compound can be prepared using solution-phase or solid-phase organic synthesis or both. Organic synthesis offers the advantage that the oligonucleotide strands comprising unnatural or modified nucleotides can be easily prepared. Single-stranded oligonucleotides of the invention can be prepared using solution-phase or solid-phase organic synthesis or both.

In one aspect, a dsRNA of the invention includes at least two nucleotide sequences, a sense sequence and an anti-sense sequence. The sense strand is selected from the group of sequences provided in any one of Tables 3, 4, 5, 6, 18, 19, 20, 21, and 23, and the corresponding antisense strand of the sense strand is selected from the group of sequences of any one of Tables 3, 4, 5, 6, 18, 19, 20, 21, and 23. In this aspect, one of the two sequences is complementary to the other of the two sequences, with one of the sequences being substantially complementary to a sequence of an mRNA generated in the expression of a C5 gene. As such, in this aspect, a dsRNA will include two oligonucleotides, where one oligonucleotide is described as the sense strand in any one of Tables 3, 4, 5, 6, 18, 19, 20, 21, and 23, and the second oligonucleotide is described as the corresponding antisense strand of the sense strand in any one of Tables 3, 4, 5, 6, 18, 19, 20, 21, and 23. In one embodiment, the substantially complementary sequences of the dsRNA are contained on separate oligonucleotides. In another embodiment, the substantially complementary sequences of the dsRNA are contained on a single oligonucleotide.

It will be understood that, although some of the sequences in Tables 3, 4, 5, 6, 18, 19, 20, 21, and 23 are described as modified and/or conjugated sequences, the RNA of the iRNA of the invention e.g., a dsRNA of the invention, may comprise any one of the sequences set forth in Tables 3, 4, 5, 6, 18, 19, 20, 21, and 23 that is un-modified, un-conjugated, and/or modified and/or conjugated differently than described therein.

The skilled person is well aware that dsRNAs having a duplex structure of between about 20 and 23 base pairs, e.g., 21, base pairs have been hailed as particularly effective in inducing RNA interference (Elbashir et al., EMBO 2001, 20:6877-6888). However, others have found that shorter or longer RNA duplex structures can also be effective (Chu and Rana (2007) RNA 14:1714-1719; Kim et al. (2005) Nat Biotech 23:222-226). In the embodiments described above, by virtue of the nature of the oligonucleotide sequences provided in any one of Tables 3, 4, 5, 6, 18, 19, 20, 21, and 23, dsRNAs described herein can include at least one strand of a length of minimally 21 nucleotides. It can be reasonably expected that shorter duplexes having one of the sequences of any one of Tables 3, 4, 5, 6, 18, 19, 20, 21, and 23 minus only a few nucleotides on one or both ends can be similarly effective as compared to the dsRNAs described above. Hence, dsRNAs having a sequence of at least 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, or more contiguous nucleotides derived from one of the sequences of any one of Tables 3, 4, 5, 6, 18, 19, 20, 21, and 23, and differing in their ability to inhibit the expression of a C5 gene by not more than about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30% inhibition from a dsRNA comprising the full sequence, are contemplated to be within the scope of the present invention.

In addition, the RNAs provided in any one of Tables 3, 4, 5, 6, 18, 19, 20, 21, and 23 identify a site(s) in a C5 transcript that is susceptible to RISC-mediated cleavage. As such, the present invention further features iRNAs that target within one of these sites. As used herein, an iRNA is said to target within a particular site of an RNA transcript if the iRNA promotes cleavage of the transcript anywhere within that particular site. Such an iRNA will generally include at least about 15 contiguous nucleotides from one of the sequences provided in any one of Tables 3, 4, 5, 6, 18, 19, 20, 21, and 23 coupled to additional nucleotide sequences taken from the region contiguous to the selected sequence in a C5 gene.

While a target sequence is generally about 15-30 nucleotides in length, there is wide variation in the suitability of particular sequences in this range for directing cleavage of any given target RNA. Various software packages and the guidelines set out herein provide guidance for the identification of optimal target sequences for any given gene target, but an empirical approach can also be taken in which a “window” or “mask” of a given size (as a non-limiting example, 21 nucleotides) is literally or figuratively (including, e.g., in silico) placed on the target RNA sequence to identify sequences in the size range that can serve as target sequences. By moving the sequence “window” progressively one nucleotide upstream or downstream of an initial target sequence location, the next potential target sequence can be identified, until the complete set of possible sequences is identified for any given target size selected. This process, coupled with systematic synthesis and testing of the identified sequences (using assays as described herein or as known in the art) to identify those sequences that perform optimally can identify those RNA sequences that, when targeted with an iRNA agent, mediate the best inhibition of target gene expression. Thus, while the sequences identified, for example, in any one of Tables 3, 4, 5, 6, 18, 19, 20, 21, and 23 represent effective target sequences, it is contemplated that further optimization of inhibition efficiency can be achieved by progressively “walking the window” one nucleotide upstream or downstream of the given sequences to identify sequences with equal or better inhibition characteristics.

Further, it is contemplated that for any sequence identified, e.g., in any one of Tables 3, 4, 5, 6, 18, 19, 20, 21, and 23, further optimization could be achieved by systematically either adding or removing nucleotides to generate longer or shorter sequences and testing those sequences generated by walking a window of the longer or shorter size up or down the target RNA from that point. Again, coupling this approach to generating new candidate targets with testing for effectiveness of iRNAs based on those target sequences in an inhibition assay as known in the art and/or as described herein can lead to further improvements in the efficiency of inhibition. Further still, such optimized sequences can be adjusted by, e.g., the introduction of modified nucleotides as described herein or as known in the art, addition or changes in overhang, or other modifications as known in the art and/or discussed herein to further optimize the molecule (e.g., increasing serum stability or circulating half-life, increasing thermal stability, enhancing transmembrane delivery, targeting to a particular location or cell type, increasing interaction with silencing pathway enzymes, increasing release from endosomes) as an expression inhibitor.

An iRNA as described herein can contain one or more mismatches to the target sequence. In one embodiment, an iRNA as described herein contains no more than 3 mismatches. If the antisense strand of the iRNA contains mismatches to a target sequence, it is preferable that the area of mismatch is not located in the center of the region of complementarity. If the antisense strand of the iRNA contains mismatches to the target sequence, it is preferable that the mismatch be restricted to be within the last 5 nucleotides from either the 5′- or 3′-end of the region of complementarity. For example, for a 23 nucleotide iRNA agent the strand which is complementary to a region of a C5 gene, generally does not contain any mismatch within the central 13 nucleotides. The methods described herein or methods known in the art can be used to determine whether an iRNA containing a mismatch to a target sequence is effective in inhibiting the expression of a C5 gene. Consideration of the efficacy of iRNAs with mismatches in inhibiting expression of a C5 gene is important, especially if the particular region of complementarity in a C5 gene is known to have polymorphic sequence variation within the population.

III. Modified iRNAs of the Invention

In one embodiment, the RNA of the iRNA of the invention e.g., a dsRNA, is un-modified, and does not comprise, e.g., chemical modifications and/or conjugations known in the art and described herein. In another embodiment, the RNA of an iRNA of the invention, e.g., a dsRNA, is chemically modified to enhance stability or other beneficial characteristics. In certain embodiments of the invention, substantially all of the nucleotides of an iRNA of the invention are modified. In other embodiments of the invention, all of the nucleotides of an iRNA of the invention are modified. iRNAs of the invention in which “substantially all of the nucleotides are modified” are largely but not wholly modified and can include not more than 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 unmodified nucleotides.

The nucleic acids featured in the invention can be synthesized and/or modified by methods well established in the art, such as those described in “Current protocols in nucleic acid chemistry,” Beaucage, S. L. et al. (Edrs.), John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, NY, USA, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. Modifications include, for example, end modifications, e.g., 5′-end modifications (phosphorylation, conjugation, inverted linkages) or 3′-end modifications (conjugation, DNA nucleotides, inverted linkages, etc.); base modifications, e.g., replacement with stabilizing bases, destabilizing bases, or bases that base pair with an expanded repertoire of partners, removal of bases (abasic nucleotides), or conjugated bases; sugar modifications (e.g., at the 2′-position or 4′-position) or replacement of the sugar; and/or backbone modifications, including modification or replacement of the phosphodiester linkages. Specific examples of iRNA compounds useful in the embodiments described herein include, but are not limited to RNAs containing modified backbones or no natural internucleoside linkages. RNAs having modified backbones include, among others, those that do not have a phosphorus atom in the backbone. For the purposes of this specification, and as sometimes referenced in the art, modified RNAs that do not have a phosphorus atom in their internucleoside backbone can also be considered to be oligonucleosides. In some embodiments, a modified iRNA will have a phosphorus atom in its internucleoside backbone.

Modified RNA backbones include, for example, phosphorothioates, chiral phosphorothioates, phosphorodithioates, phosphotriesters, aminoalkylphosphotriesters, methyl and other alkyl phosphonates including 3′-alkylene phosphonates and chiral phosphonates, phosphinates, phosphoramidates including 3′-amino phosphoramidate and aminoalkylphosphoramidates, thionophosphoramidates, thionoalkylphosphonates, thionoalkylphosphotriesters, and boranophosphates having normal 3′-5′ linkages, 2′-5′-linked analogs of these, and those having inverted polarity wherein the adjacent pairs of nucleoside units are linked 3′-5′ to 5′-3′ or 2′-5′ to 5′-2′. Various salts, mixed salts and free acid forms are also included.

Representative U.S. patents that teach the preparation of the above phosphorus-containing linkages include, but are not limited to, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,687,808; 4,469,863; 4,476,301; 5,023,243; 5,177,195; 5,188,897; 5,264,423; 5,276,019; 5,278,302; 5,286,717; 5,321,131; 5,399,676; 5,405,939; 5,453,496; 5,455,233; 5,466,677; 5,476,925; 5,519,126; 5,536,821; 5,541,316; 5,550,111; 5,563,253; 5,571,799; 5,587,361; 5,625,050; 6,028,188; 6,124,445; 6,160,109; 6,169,170; 6,172,209; 6, 239,265; 6,277,603; 6,326,199; 6,346,614; 6,444,423; 6,531,590; 6,534,639; 6,608,035; 6,683,167; 6,858,715; 6,867,294; 6,878,805; 7,015,315; 7,041,816; 7,273,933; 7,321,029; and U.S. Pat. RE39464, the entire contents of each of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

Modified RNA backbones that do not include a phosphorus atom therein have backbones that are formed by short chain alkyl or cycloalkyl internucleoside linkages, mixed heteroatoms and alkyl or cycloalkyl internucleoside linkages, or one or more short chain heteroatomic or heterocyclic internucleoside linkages. These include those having morpholino linkages (formed in part from the sugar portion of a nucleoside); siloxane backbones; sulfide, sulfoxide and sulfone backbones; formacetyl and thioformacetyl backbones; methylene formacetyl and thioformacetyl backbones; alkene containing backbones; sulfamate backbones; methyleneimino and methylenehydrazino backbones; sulfonate and sulfonamide backbones; amide backbones; and others having mixed N, O, S and CH₂ component parts.

Representative U.S. patents that teach the preparation of the above oligonucleosides include, but are not limited to, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,034,506; 5,166,315; 5,185,444; 5,214,134; 5,216,141; 5,235,033; 5,64,562; 5,264,564; 5,405,938; 5,434,257; 5,466,677; 5,470,967; 5,489,677; 5,541,307; 5,561,225; 5,596,086; 5,602,240; 5,608,046; 5,610,289; 5,618,704; 5,623,070; 5,663,312; 5,633,360; 5,677,437; and, 5,677,439, the entire contents of each of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

In other embodiments, suitable RNA mimetics are contemplated for use in iRNAs, in which both the sugar and the internucleoside linkage, i.e., the backbone, of the nucleotide units are replaced with novel groups. The base units are maintained for hybridization with an appropriate nucleic acid target compound. One such oligomeric compound, an RNA mimetic that has been shown to have excellent hybridization properties, is referred to as a peptide nucleic acid (PNA). In PNA compounds, the sugar backbone of an RNA is replaced with an amide containing backbone, in particular an aminoethylglycine backbone. The nucleobases are retained and are bound directly or indirectly to aza nitrogen atoms of the amide portion of the backbone. Representative U.S. patents that teach the preparation of PNA compounds include, but are not limited to, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,539,082; 5,714,331; and 5,719,262, the entire contents of each of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. Additional PNA compounds suitable for use in the iRNAs of the invention are described in, for example, in Nielsen et al., Science, 1991, 254, 1497-1500.

Some embodiments featured in the invention include RNAs with phosphorothioate backbones and oligonucleosides with heteroatom backbones, and in particular —CH₂—NH—CH₂—, —CH₂—N(CH₃)—O—CH₂— [known as a methylene (methylimino) or MMI backbone], —CH₂—O—N(CH₃)—CH₂—, —CH₂—N(CH₃)—N(CH₃)—CH₂— and —N(CH₃)—CH₂—CH₂— [wherein the native phosphodiester backbone is represented as —O—P—O—CH₂—] of the above-referenced U.S. Pat. No. 5,489,677, and the amide backbones of the above-referenced U.S. Pat. No. 5,602,240. In some embodiments, the RNAs featured herein have morpholino backbone structures of the above-referenced U.S. Pat. No. 5,034,506.

Modified RNAs can also contain one or more substituted sugar moieties. The iRNAs, e.g., dsRNAs, featured herein can include one of the following at the 2′-position: OH; F; O—, S—, or N-alkyl; O—, S—, or N-alkenyl; O-, S- or N-alkynyl; or O-alkyl-O-alkyl, wherein the alkyl, alkenyl and alkynyl can be substituted or unsubstituted C₁ to C₁₀ alkyl or C₂ to C₁₀ alkenyl and alkynyl. Exemplary suitable modifications include O[(CH₂)_(n)O]_(m)CH₃, O(CH₂)·_(n)OCH₃, O(CH₂)_(n)NH₂, O(CH₂)_(n)CH₃, O(CH₂)_(n)ONH₂, and O(CH₂)_(n)ON[(CH₂)_(n)CH₃)]₂, where n and m are from 1 to about 10. In other embodiments, dsRNAs include one of the following at the 2′ position: C₁ to C₁₀ lower alkyl, substituted lower alkyl, alkaryl, aralkyl, O-alkaryl or O-aralkyl, SH, SCH₃, OCN, Cl, Br, CN, CF₃, OCF₃, SOCH₃, SO₂CH₃, ONO₂, NO₂, N₃, NH₂, heterocycloalkyl, heterocycloalkaryl, aminoalkylamino, polyalkylamino, substituted silyl, an RNA cleaving group, a reporter group, an intercalator, a group for improving the pharmacokinetic properties of an iRNA, or a group for improving the pharmacodynamic properties of an iRNA, and other substituents having similar properties. In some embodiments, the modification includes a 2′-methoxyethoxy (2′-O—CH₂CH₂OCH₃, also known as 2′-O-(2-methoxyethyl) or 2′-MOE) (Martin et al., Helv. Chim. Acta, 1995, 78:486-504) i.e., an alkoxy-alkoxy group. Another exemplary modification is 2′-dimethylaminooxyethoxy, i.e., a O(CH₂)₂ON(CH₃)₂ group, also known as 2′-DMAOE, as described in examples herein below, and 2′-dimethylaminoethoxyethoxy (also known in the art as 2′-O-dimethylaminoethoxyethyl or 2′-DMAEOE), i.e., 2′-O—CH₂—O—CH₂—N(CH₂)₂.

Other modifications include 2′-methoxy (2′-OCH₃), 2′-aminopropoxy (2′-OCH₂CH₂CH₂NH₂) and 2′-fluoro (2′-F). Similar modifications can also be made at other positions on the RNA of an iRNA, particularly the 3′ position of the sugar on the 3′ terminal nucleotide or in 2′-5′ linked dsRNAs and the 5′ position of 5′ terminal nucleotide. iRNAs can also have sugar mimetics such as cyclobutyl moieties in place of the pentofuranosyl sugar. Representative U.S. patents that teach the preparation of such modified sugar structures include, but are not limited to, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,981,957; 5,118,800; 5,319,080; 5,359,044; 5,393,878; 5,446,137; 5,466,786; 5,514,785; 5,519,134; 5,567,811; 5,576,427; 5,591,722; 5,597,909; 5,610,300; 5,627,053; 5,639,873; 5,646,265; 5,658,873; 5,670,633; and 5,700,920, certain of which are commonly owned with the instant application. The entire contents of each of the foregoing are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

An iRNA can also include nucleobase (often referred to in the art simply as “base”) modifications or substitutions. As used herein, “unmodified” or “natural” nucleobases include the purine bases adenine (A) and guanine (G), and the pyrimidine bases thymine (T), cytosine (C) and uracil (U). Modified nucleobases include other synthetic and natural nucleobases such as deoxy-thymine (dT), 5-methylcytosine (5-me-C), 5-hydroxymethyl cytosine, xanthine, hypoxanthine, 2-aminoadenine, 6-methyl and other alkyl derivatives of adenine and guanine, 2-propyl and other alkyl derivatives of adenine and guanine, 2-thiouracil, 2-thiothymine and 2-thiocytosine, 5-halouracil and cytosine, 5-propynyl uracil and cytosine, 6-azo uracil, cytosine and thymine, 5-uracil (pseudouracil), 4-thiouracil, 8-halo, 8-amino, 8-thiol, 8-thioalkyl, 8-hydroxyl anal other 8-substituted adenines and guanines, 5-halo, particularly 5-bromo, 5-trifluoromethyl and other 5-substituted uracils and cytosines, 7-methylguanine and 7-methyladenine, 8-azaguanine and 8-azaadenine, 7-deazaguanine and 7-daazaadenine and 3-deazaguanine and 3-deazaadenine. Further nucleobases include those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,687,808, those disclosed in Modified Nucleosides in Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Medicine, Herdewijn, P. ed. Wiley-VCH, 2008; those disclosed in The Concise Encyclopedia Of Polymer Science And Engineering, pages 858-859, Kroschwitz, J. L, ed. John Wiley & Sons, 1990, these disclosed by Englisch et al., Angewandte Chemie, International Edition, 1991, 30, 613, and those disclosed by Sanghvi, Y S., Chapter 15, dsRNA Research and Applications, pages 289-302, Crooke, S. T. and Lebleu, B., Ed., CRC Press, 1993. Certain of these nucleobases are particularly useful for increasing the binding affinity of the oligomeric compounds featured in the invention. These include 5-substituted pyrimidines, 6-azapyrimidines and N-2, N-6 and 0-6 substituted purines, including 2-aminopropyladenine, 5-propynyluracil and 5-propynylcytosine. 5-methylcytosine substitutions have been shown to increase nucleic acid duplex stability by 0.6-1.2° C. (Sanghvi, Y. S., Crooke, S. T. and Lebleu, B., Eds., dsRNA Research and Applications, CRC Press, Boca Raton, 1993, pp. 276-278) and are exemplary base substitutions, even more particularly when combined with 2′-O-methoxyethyl sugar modifications.

Representative U.S. patents that teach the preparation of certain of the above noted modified nucleobases as well as other modified nucleobases include, but are not limited to, the above noted U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,687,808, 4,845,205; 5,130,30; 5,134,066; 5,175,273; 5,367,066; 5,432,272; 5,457,187; 5,459,255; 5,484,908; 5,502,177; 5,525,711; 5,552,540; 5,587,469; 5,594,121, 5,596,091; 5,614,617; 5,681,941; 5,750,692; 6,015,886; 6,147,200; 6,166,197; 6,222,025; 6,235,887; 6,380,368; 6,528,640; 6,639,062; 6,617,438; 7,045,610; 7,427,672; and 7,495,088, the entire contents of each of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

The RNA of an iRNA can also be modified to include one or more locked nucleic acids (LNA). A locked nucleic acid is a nucleotide having a modified ribose moiety in which the ribose moiety comprises an extra bridge connecting the 2′ and 4′ carbons. This structure effectively “locks” the ribose in the 3′-endo structural conformation. The addition of locked nucleic acids to siRNAs has been shown to increase siRNA stability in serum, and to reduce off-target effects (Elmen, J. et al., (2005) Nucleic Acids Research 33(1):439-447; Mook, O R. et al., (2007) Mol Canc Ther 6(3):833-843; Grunweller, A. et al., (2003) Nucleic Acids Research 31(12):3185-3193).

Representative U.S. Patents that teach the preparation of locked nucleic acid nucleotides include, but are not limited to, the following: U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,268,490; 6,670,461; 6,794,499; 6,998,484; 7,053,207; 7,084,125; and 7,399,845, the entire contents of each of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

Potentially stabilizing modifications to the ends of RNA molecules can include N-(acetylaminocaproyl)-4-hydroxyprolinol (Hyp-C6-NHAc), N-(caproyl-4-hydroxyprolinol (Hyp-C6), N-(acetyl-4-hydroxyprolinol (Hyp-NHAc), thymidine-2′-O-deoxythymidine (ether), N-(aminocaproyl)-4-hydroxyprolinol (Hyp-C6-amino), 2-docosanoyl-uridine-3″-phosphate, inverted base dT(idT) and others. Disclosure of this modification can be found in PCT Publication No. WO 2011/005861.

A. Modified iRNAs Comprising Motifs of the Invention

In certain aspects of the invention, the double-stranded RNAi agents of the invention include agents with chemical modifications as disclosed, for example, in U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/561,710, filed on Nov. 18, 2011, or in PCT/US2012/065691, filed on Nov. 16, 2012, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

As shown herein and in Provisional Application No. 61/561,710 or PCT Application No. PCT/US2012/065691, a superior result may be obtained by introducing one or more motifs of three identical modifications on three consecutive nucleotides into a sense strand and/or antisense strand of an RNAi agent, particularly at or near the cleavage site. In some embodiments, the sense strand and antisense strand of the RNAi agent may otherwise be completely modified. The introduction of these motifs interrupts the modification pattern, if present, of the sense and/or antisense strand. The RNAi agent may be optionally conjugated with a GalNAc derivative ligand, for instance on the sense strand. The resulting RNAi agents present superior gene silencing activity.

More specifically, it has been surprisingly discovered that when the sense strand and antisense strand of the double-stranded RNAi agent are completely modified to have one or more motifs of three identical modifications on three consecutive nucleotides at or near the cleavage site of at least one strand of an RNAi agent, the gene silencing acitivity of the RNAi agent was superiorly enhanced.

Accordingly, the invention provides double-stranded RNAi agents capable of inhibiting the expression of a target gene (i.e., a complement component C5 (C5) gene) in vivo. The RNAi agent comprises a sense strand and an antisense strand. Each strand of the RNAi agent may range from 12-30 nucleotides in length. For example, each strand may be between 14-30 nucleotides in length, 17-30 nucleotides in length, 25-30 nucleotides in length, 27-30 nucleotides in length, 17-23 nucleotides in length, 17-21 nucleotides in length, 17-19 nucleotides in length, 19-25 nucleotides in length, 19-23 nucleotides in length, 19-21 nucleotides in length, 21-25 nucleotides in length, or 21-23 nucleotides in length.

The sense strand and anti sense strand typically form a duplex double stranded RNA (“dsRNA”), also referred to herein as an “RNAi agent.” The duplex region of an RNAi agent may be 12-30 nucleotide pairs in length. For example, the duplex region can be between 14-30 nucleotide pairs in length, 17-30 nucleotide pairs in length, 27-30 nucleotide pairs in length, 17-23 nucleotide pairs in length, 17-21 nucleotide pairs in length, 17-19 nucleotide pairs in length, 19-25 nucleotide pairs in length, 19-23 nucleotide pairs in length, 19-21 nucleotide pairs in length, 21-25 nucleotide pairs in length, or 21-23 nucleotide pairs in length. In another example, the duplex region is selected from 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, and 27 nucleotides in length.

In one embodiment, the RNAi agent may contain one or more overhang regions and/or capping groups at the 3′-end, 5′-end, or both ends of one or both strands. The overhang can be 1-6 nucleotides in length, for instance 2-6 nucleotides in length, 1-5 nucleotides in length, 2-5 nucleotides in length, 1-4 nucleotides in length, 2-4 nucleotides in length, 1-3 nucleotides in length, 2-3 nucleotides in length, or 1-2 nucleotides in length. The overhangs can be the result of one strand being longer than the other, or the result of two strands of the same length being staggered. The overhang can form a mismatch with the target mRNA or it can be complementary to the gene sequences being targeted or can be another sequence. The first and second strands can also be joined, e.g., by additional bases to form a hairpin, or by other non-base linkers.

In one embodiment, the nucleotides in the overhang region of the RNAi agent can each independently be a modified or unmodified nucleotide including, but no limited to 2′-sugar modified, such as, 2-F, 2′-Omethyl, thymidine (T), 2′-O-methoxyethyl-5-methyluridine (Teo), 2′-O-methoxyethyladenosine (Aeo), 2′-O-methoxyethyl-5-methylcytidine (m5Ceo), and any combinations thereof. For example, TT can be an overhang sequence for either end on either strand. The overhang can form a mismatch with the target mRNA or it can be complementary to the gene sequences being targeted or can be another sequence.

The 5′- or 3′-overhangs at the sense strand, antisense strand or both strands of the RNAi agent may be phosphorylated. In some embodiments, the overhang region(s) contains two nucleotides having a phosphorothioate between the two nucleotides, where the two nucleotides can be the same or different. In one embodiment, the overhang is present at the 3′-end of the sense strand, antisense strand, or both strands. In one embodiment, this 3′-overhang is present in the antisense strand. In one embodiment, this 3′-overhang is present in the sense strand.

The RNAi agent may contain only a single overhang, which can strengthen the interference activity of the RNAi, without affecting its overall stability. For example, the single-stranded overhang may be located at the 3′-terminal end of the sense strand or, alternatively, at the 3′-terminal end of the antisense strand. The RNAi may also have a blunt end, located at the 5′-end of the antisense strand (or the 3′-end of the sense strand) or vice versa. Generally, the antisense strand of the RNAi has a nucleotide overhang at the 3′-end, and the 5′-end is blunt. While not wishing to be bound by theory, the asymmetric blunt end at the 5′-end of the antisense strand and 3′-end overhang of the antisense strand favor the guide strand loading into RISC process.

In one embodiment, the RNAi agent is a double ended bluntmer of 19 nucleotides in length, wherein the sense strand contains at least one motif of three 2′-F modifications on three consecutive nucleotides at positions 7, 8, 9 from the 5′end. The antisense strand contains at least one motif of three 2′-O-methyl modifications on three consecutive nucleotides at positions 11, 12, 13 from the 5′ end.

In another embodiment, the RNAi agent is a double ended bluntmer of 20 nucleotides in length, wherein the sense strand contains at least one motif of three 2′-F modifications on three consecutive nucleotides at positions 8, 9, 10 from the 5′end. The antisense strand contains at least one motif of three 2′-O-methyl modifications on three consecutive nucleotides at positions 11, 12, 13 from the 5′ end.

In yet another embodiment, the RNAi agent is a double ended bluntmer of 21 nucleotides in length, wherein the sense strand contains at least one motif of three 2′-F modifications on three consecutive nucleotides at positions 9, 10, 11 from the 5′end. The antisense strand contains at least one motif of three 2′-O-methyl modifications on three consecutive nucleotides at positions 11, 12, 13 from the 5′ end.

In one embodiment, the RNAi agent comprises a 21 nucleotide sense strand and a 23 nucleotide antisense strand, wherein the sense strand contains at least one motif of three 2′-F modifications on three consecutive nucleotides at positions 9, 10, 11 from the 5′end; the antisense strand contains at least one motif of three 2′-O-methyl modifications on three consecutive nucleotides at positions 11, 12, 13 from the 5′ end, wherein one end of the RNAi agent is blunt, while the other end comprises a 2 nucleotide overhang. Preferably, the 2 nucleotide overhang is at the 3′-end of the antisense strand. When the 2 nucleotide overhang is at the 3′-end of the antisense strand, there may be two phosphorothioate internucleotide linkages between the terminal three nucleotides, wherein two of the three nucleotides are the overhang nucleotides, and the third nucleotide is a paired nucleotide next to the overhang nucleotide. In one embodiment, the RNAi agent additionally has two phosphorothioate internucleotide linkages between the terminal three nucleotides at both the 5′-end of the sense strand and at the 5′-end of the antisense strand. In one embodiment, every nucleotide in the sense strand and the antisense strand of the RNAi agent, including the nucleotides that are part of the motifs are modified nucleotides. In one embodiment each residue is independently modified with a 2′-O-methyl or 3′-fluoro, e.g., in an alternating motif. Optionally, the RNAi agent further comprises a ligand (preferably GalNAc₃).

In one embodiment, the RNAi agent comprises a sense and an antisense strand, wherein the sense strand is 25-30 nucleotide residues in length, wherein starting from the 5′ terminal nucleotide (position 1) positions 1 to 23 of the first strand comprise at least 8 ribonucleotides; the antisense strand is 36-66 nucleotide residues in length and, starting from the 3′ terminal nucleotide, comprises at least 8 ribonucleotides in the positions paired with positions 1-23 of sense strand to form a duplex; wherein at least the 3′ terminal nucleotide of antisense strand is unpaired with sense strand, and up to 6 consecutive 3′ terminal nucleotides are unpaired with sense strand, thereby forming a 3′ single stranded overhang of 1-6 nucleotides; wherein the 5′ terminus of antisense strand comprises from 10-30 consecutive nucleotides which are unpaired with sense strand, thereby forming a 10-30 nucleotide single stranded 5′ overhang; wherein at least the sense strand 5′ terminal and 3′ terminal nucleotides are base paired with nucleotides of antisense strand when sense and antisense strands are aligned for maximum complementarity, thereby forming a substantially duplexed region between sense and antisense strands; and antisense strand is sufficiently complementary to a target RNA along at least 19 ribonucleotides of antisense strand length to reduce target gene expression when the double stranded nucleic acid is introduced into a mammalian cell; and wherein the sense strand contains at least one motif of three 2′-F modifications on three consecutive nucleotides, where at least one of the motifs occurs at or near the cleavage site. The antisense strand contains at least one motif of three 2′-O-methyl modifications on three consecutive nucleotides at or near the cleavage site.

In one embodiment, the RNAi agent comprises sense and antisense strands, wherein the RNAi agent comprises a first strand having a length which is at least 25 and at most 29 nucleotides and a second strand having a length which is at most 30 nucleotides with at least one motif of three 2′-O-methyl modifications on three consecutive nucleotides at position 11, 12, 13 from the 5′ end; wherein the 3′ end of the first strand and the 5′ end of the second strand form a blunt end and the second strand is 1-4 nucleotides longer at its 3′ end than the first strand, wherein the duplex region which is at least 25 nucleotides in length, and the second strand is sufficiently complemenatary to a target mRNA along at least 19 nucleotide of the second strand length to reduce target gene expression when the RNAi agent is introduced into a mammalian cell, and wherein dicer cleavage of the RNAi agent preferentially results in an siRNA comprising the 3′ end of the second strand, thereby reducing expression of the target gene in the mammal. Optionally, the RNAi agent further comprises a ligand.

In one embodiment, the sense strand of the RNAi agent contains at least one motif of three identical modifications on three consecutive nucleotides, where one of the motifs occurs at the cleavage site in the sense strand.

In one embodiment, the antisense strand of the RNAi agent can also contain at least one motif of three identical modifications on three consecutive nucleotides, where one of the motifs occurs at or near the cleavage site in the antisense strand

For an RNAi agent having a duplex region of 17-23 nucleotide in length, the cleavage site of the antisense strand is typically around the 10, 11 and 12 positions from the 5′-end. Thus the motifs of three identical modifications may occur at the 9, 10, 11 positions; 10, 11, 12 positions; 11, 12, 13 positions; 12, 13, 14 positions; or 13, 14, 15 positions of the antisense strand, the count starting from the 1^(st) nucleotide from the 5′-end of the antisense strand, or, the count starting from the 1^(st) paired nucleotide within the duplex region from the 5′-end of the antisense strand. The cleavage site in the antisense strand may also change according to the length of the duplex region of the RNAi from the 5′-end.

The sense strand of the RNAi agent may contain at least one motif of three identical modifications on three consecutive nucleotides at the cleavage site of the strand; and the antisense strand may have at least one motif of three identical modifications on three consecutive nucleotides at or near the cleavage site of the strand. When the sense strand and the antisense strand form a dsRNA duplex, the sense strand and the antisense strand can be so aligned that one motif of the three nucleotides on the sense strand and one motif of the three nucleotides on the antisense strand have at least one nucleotide overlap, i.e., at least one of the three nucleotides of the motif in the sense strand forms a base pair with at least one of the three nucleotides of the motif in the antisense strand. Alternatively, at least two nucleotides may overlap, or all three nucleotides may overlap.

In one embodiment, the sense strand of the RNAi agent may contain more than one motif of three identical modifications on three consecutive nucleotides. The first motif may occur at or near the cleavage site of the strand and the other motifs may be a wing modification. The term “wing modification” herein refers to a motif occurring at another portion of the strand that is separated from the motif at or near the cleavage site of the same strand. The wing modification is either adajacent to the first motif or is separated by at least one or more nucleotides. When the motifs are immediately adjacent to each other then the chemistry of the motifs are distinct from each other and when the motifs are separated by one or more nucleotide than the chemistries can be the same or different. Two or more wing modifications may be present. For instance, when two wing modifications are present, each wing modification may occur at one end relative to the first motif which is at or near cleavage site or on either side of the lead motif.

Like the sense strand, the antisense strand of the RNAi agent may contain more than one motifs of three identical modifications on three consecutive nucleotides, with at least one of the motifs occurring at or near the cleavage site of the strand. This antisense strand may also contain one or more wing modifications in an alignment similar to the wing modifications that may be present on the sense strand.

In one embodiment, the wing modification on the sense strand or antisense strand of the RNAi agent typically does not include the first one or two terminal nucleotides at the 3′-end, 5′-end or both ends of the strand.

In another embodiment, the wing modification on the sense strand or antisense strand of the RNAi agent typically does not include the first one or two paired nucleotides within the duplex region at the 3′-end, 5′-end or both ends of the strand.

When the sense strand and the antisense strand of the RNAi agent each contain at least one wing modification, the wing modifications may fall on the same end of the duplex region, and have an overlap of one, two or three nucleotides.

When the sense strand and the antisense strand of the RNAi agent each contain at least two wing modifications, the sense strand and the antisense strand can be so aligned that two modifications each from one strand fall on one end of the duplex region, having an overlap of one, two or three nucleotides; two modifications each from one strand fall on the other end of the duplex region, having an overlap of one, two or three nucleotides; two modifications one strand fall on each side of the lead motif, having an overlap of one, two or three nucleotides in the duplex region.

In one embodiment, every nucleotide in the sense strand and antisense strand of the RNAi agent, including the nucleotides that are part of the motifs, may be modified. Each nucleotide may be modified with the same or different modification which can include one or more alteration of one or both of the non-linking phosphate oxygens and/or of one or more of the linking phosphate oxygens; alteration of a constituent of the ribose sugar, e.g., of the 2′ hydroxyl on the ribose sugar; wholesale replacement of the phosphate moiety with “dephospho” linkers; modification or replacement of a naturally occurring base; and replacement or modification of the ribose-phosphate backbone.

As nucleic acids are polymers of subunits, many of the modifications occur at a position which is repeated within a nucleic acid, e.g., a modification of a base, or a phosphate moiety, or a non-linking O of a phosphate moiety. In some cases the modification will occur at all of the subject positions in the nucleic acid but in many cases it will not. By way of example, a modification may only occur at a 3′ or 5′ terminal position, may only occur in a terminal region, e.g., at a position on a terminal nucleotide or in the last 2, 3, 4, 5, or 10 nucleotides of a strand. A modification may occur in a double strand region, a single strand region, or in both. A modification may occur only in the double strand region of a RNA or may only occur in a single strand region of a RNA. For example, a phosphorothioate modification at a non-linking O position may only occur at one or both termini, may only occur in a terminal region, e.g., at a position on a terminal nucleotide or in the last 2, 3, 4, 5, or 10 nucleotides of a strand, or may occur in double strand and single strand regions, particularly at termini. The 5′ end or ends can be phosphorylated.

It may be possible, e.g., to enhance stability, to include particular bases in overhangs, or to include modified nucleotides or nucleotide surrogates, in single strand overhangs, e.g., in a 5′ or 3′ overhang, or in both. For example, it can be desirable to include purine nucleotides in overhangs. In some embodiments all or some of the bases in a 3′ or 5′ overhang may be modified, e.g., with a modification described herein. Modifications can include, e.g., the use of modifications at the 2′ position of the ribose sugar with modifications that are known in the art, e.g., the use of deoxyribonucleotides, 2′-deoxy-2′-fluoro (2′-F) or 2′-O-methyl modified instead of the ribosugar of the nucleobase, and modifications in the phosphate group, e.g., phosphorothioate modifications. Overhangs need not be homologous with the target sequence.

In one embodiment, each residue of the sense strand and antisense strand is independently modified with LNA, HNA, CeNA, 2′-methoxyethyl, 2′-O-methyl, 2′-O-allyl, 2′-C-allyl, 2′-deoxy, 2′-hydroxyl, or 2′-fluoro. The strands can contain more than one modification. In one embodiment, each residue of the sense strand and antisense strand is independently modified with 2′-O-methyl or 2′-fluoro.

At least two different modifications are typically present on the sense strand and antisense strand. Those two modifications may be the 2′-O-methyl or 2′-fluoro modifications, or others.

In one embodiment, the N_(a) and/or N_(b) comprise modifications of an alternating pattern. The term “alternating motif” as used herein refers to a motif having one or more modifications, each modification occurring on alternating nucleotides of one strand. The alternating nucleotide may refer to one per every other nucleotide or one per every three nucleotides, or a similar pattern. For example, if A, B and C each represent one type of modification to the nucleotide, the alternating motif can be “ABABABABABAB . . . ,” “AABBAABBAABB . . . ,” “AABAABAABAAB . . . ,” “AAABAAABAAAB . . . ,” “AAABBBAAABBB . . . ,” or “ABCABCABCABC . . . ,” etc.

The type of modifications contained in the alternating motif may be the same or different. For example, if A, B, C, D each represent one type of modification on the nucleotide, the alternating pattern, i.e., modifications on every other nucleotide, may be the same, but each of the sense strand or antisense strand can be selected from several possibilities of modifications within the alternating motif such as “ABABAB . . . ”, “ACACAC . . . ” “BDBDBD . . . ” or “CDCDCD . . . ,” etc.

In one embodiment, the RNAi agent of the invention comprises the modification pattern for the alternating motif on the sense strand relative to the modification pattern for the alternating motif on the antisense strand is shifted. The shift may be such that the modified group of nucleotides of the sense strand corresponds to a differently modified group of nucleotides of the antisense strand and vice versa. For example, the sense strand when paired with the antisense strand in the dsRNA duplex, the alternating motif in the sense strand may start with “ABABAB” from 5′-3′ of the strand and the alternating motif in the antisense strand may start with “BABABA” from 5′-3′ of the strand within the duplex region. As another example, the alternating motif in the sense strand may start with “AABBAABB” from 5′-3′ of the strand and the alternating motif in the anti senese strand may start with “BBAABBAA” from 5′-3′ of the strand within the duplex region, so that there is a complete or partial shift of the modification patterns between the sense strand and the antisense strand.

In one embodiment, the RNAi agent comprises the pattern of the alternating motif of 2′-O-methyl modification and 2′-F modification on the sense strand initially has a shift relative to the pattern of the alternating motif of 2′-O-methyl modification and 2′-F modification on the antisense strand initially, i.e., the 2′-O-methyl modified nucleotide on the sense strand base pairs with a 2′-F modified nucleotide on the antisense strand and vice versa. The 1 position of the sense strand may start with the 2′-F modification, and the 1 position of the antisense strand may start with the 2′-O-methyl modification.

The introduction of one or more motifs of three identical modifications on three consecutive nucleotides to the sense strand and/or antisense strand interrupts the initial modification pattern present in the sense strand and/or antisense strand. This interruption of the modification pattern of the sense and/or antisense strand by introducing one or more motifs of three identical modifications on three consecutive nucleotides to the sense and/or antisense strand surprisingly enhances the gene silencing acitivty to the target gene.

In one embodiment, when the motif of three identical modifications on three consecutive nucleotides is introduced to any of the strands, the modification of the nucleotide next to the motif is a different modification than the modification of the motif. For example, the portion of the sequence containing the motif is “ . . . N_(a)YYYN_(b) . . . ,” where “Y” represents the modification of the motif of three identical modifications on three consecutive nucleotide, and “N_(a)” and “N_(b)” represent a modification to the nucleotide next to the motif “YYY” that is different than the modification of Y, and where N_(a) and N_(b) can be the same or different modifications. Altnernatively, N_(a) and/or N_(b) may be present or absent when there is a wing modification present.

The RNAi agent may further comprise at least one phosphorothioate or methylphosphonate internucleotide linkage. The phosphorothioate or methylphosphonate internucleotide linkage modification may occur on any nucleotide of the sense strand or antisense strand or both strands in any position of the strand. For instance, the internucleotide linkage modification may occur on every nucleotide on the sense strand and/or antisense strand; each internucleotide linkage modification may occur in an alternating pattern on the sense strand and/or antisense strand; or the sense strand or antisense strand may contain both internucleotide linkage modifications in an alternating pattern. The alternating pattern of the internucleotide linkage modification on the sense strand may be the same or different from the antisense strand, and the alternating pattern of the internucleotide linkage modification on the sense strand may have a shift relative to the alternating pattern of the internucleotide linkage modification on the antisense strand. In one embodiment, a double-standed RNAi agent comprises 6-8 phosphorothioate internucleotide linkages. In one embodiment, the antisense strand comprises two phosphorothioate internucleotide linkages at the 5′-terminus and two phosphorothioate internucleotide linkages at the 3′-terminus, and the sense strand comprises at least two phosphorothioate internucleotide linkages at either the 5′-terminus or the 3′-terminus.

In one embodiment, the RNAi comprises a phosphorothioate or methylphosphonate internucleotide linkage modification in the overhang region. For example, the overhang region may contain two nucleotides having a phosphorothioate or methylphosphonate internucleotide linkage between the two nucleotides. Internucleotide linkage modifications also may be made to link the overhang nucleotides with the terminal paired nucleotides within the duplex region. For example, at least 2, 3, 4, or all the overhang nucleotides may be linked through phosphorothioate or methylphosphonate internucleotide linkage, and optionally, there may be additional phosphorothioate or methylphosphonate internucleotide linkages linking the overhang nucleotide with a paired nucleotide that is next to the overhang nucleotide. For instance, there may be at least two phosphorothioate internucleotide linkages between the terminal three nucleotides, in which two of the three nucleotides are overhang nucleotides, and the third is a paired nucleotide next to the overhang nucleotide. These terminal three nucleotides may be at the 3′-end of the antisense strand, the 3′-end of the sense strand, the 5′-end of the antisense strand, and/or the 5′ end of the antisense strand.

In one embodiment, the 2 nucleotide overhang is at the 3′-end of the antisense strand, and there are two phosphorothioate internucleotide linkages between the terminal three nucleotides, wherein two of the three nucleotides are the overhang nucleotides, and the third nucleotide is a paired nucleotide next to the overhang nucleotide. Optionally, the RNAi agent may additionally have two phosphorothioate internucleotide linkages between the terminal three nucleotides at both the 5′-end of the sense strand and at the 5′-end of the antisense strand.

In one embodiment, the RNAi agent comprises mismatch(es) with the target, within the duplex, or combinations thereof. The mistmatch may occur in the overhang region or the duplex region. The base pair may be ranked on the basis of their propensity to promote dissociation or melting (e.g., on the free energy of association or dissociation of a particular pairing, the simplest approach is to examine the pairs on an individual pair basis, though next neighbor or similar analysis can also be used). In terms of promoting dissociation: A:U is preferred over G:C; G:U is preferred over G:C; and I:C is preferred over G:C (I=inosine). Mismatches, e.g., non-canonical or other than canonical pairings (as described elsewhere herein) are preferred over canonical (A:T, A:U, G:C) pairings; and pairings which include a universal base are preferred over canonical pairings.

In one embodiment, the RNAi agent comprises at least one of the first 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 base pairs within the duplex regions from the 5′-end of the antisense strand independently selected from the group of: A:U, G:U, I:C, and mismatched pairs, e.g., non-canonical or other than canonical pairings or pairings which include a universal base, to promote the dissociation of the antisense strand at the 5′-end of the duplex.

In one embodiment, the nucleotide at the 1 position within the duplex region from the 5′-end in the antisense strand is selected from the group consisting of A, dA, dU, U, and dT. Alternatively, at least one of the first 1, 2 or 3 base pair within the duplex region from the 5′-end of the antisense strand is an AU base pair. For example, the first base pair within the duplex region from the 5′-end of the antisense strand is an AU base pair.

In another embodiment, the nucleotide at the 3′-end of the sense strand is deoxy-thymine (dT). In another embodiment, the nucleotide at the 3′-end of the antisense strand is deoxy-thymine (dT). In one embodiment, there is a short sequence of deoxy-thymine nucleotides, for example, two dT nucleotides on the 3′-end of the sense and/or antisense strand.

In one embodiment, the sense strand sequence may be represented by formula (I):

(I) 5′ n_(p)-N_(a)-(X X X )_(i)-N_(b)-Y Y Y-N_(b)-(Z Z Z )_(j)-N_(a)-n_(q) 3′

wherein:

-   -   i and j are each independently 0 or 1;     -   p and q are each independently 0-6;     -   each N_(a) independently represents an oligonucleotide sequence         comprising 0-25 modified nucleotides, each sequence comprising         at least two differently modified nucleotides;     -   each N_(b) independently represents an oligonucleotide sequence         comprising 0-10 modified nucleotides;     -   each n_(p) and n_(q) independently represent an overhang         nucleotide;     -   wherein Nb and Y do not have the same modification; and     -   XXX, YYY and ZZZ each independently represent one motif of three         identical modifications on three consecutive nucleotides.         Preferably YYY is all 2′-F modified nucleotides.

In one embodiment, the N_(a) and/or N_(b) comprise modifications of alternating pattern.

In one embodiment, the YYY motif occurs at or near the cleavage site of the sense strand. For example, when the RNAi agent has a duplex region of 17-23 nucleotides in length, the YYY motif can occur at or the vicinity of the cleavage site (e.g.: can occur at positions 6, 7, 8, 7, 8, 9, 8, 9, 10, 9, 10, 11, 10, 11, 12 or 11, 12, 13) of—the sense strand, the count starting from the 1^(st) nucleotide, from the 5′-end; or optionally, the count starting at the 1^(st) paired nucleotide within the duplex region, from the 5′-end.

In one embodiment, i is 1 and j is 0, or i is 0 and j is 1, or both i and j are 1. The sense strand can therefore be represented by the following formulas:

(Ib) 5′ n_(p)-N_(a)-YYY-N_(b)-ZZZ-N_(a)-n_(q) 3′; (Ic) 5′ n_(p)-N_(a)-XXX-N_(b)-YYY-N_(a)-n_(q) 3′; or (Id) 5′ n_(p)-N_(a)-XXX-N_(b)-YYY-N_(b)-ZZZ-N_(a)-n_(q) 3′.

When the sense strand is represented by formula (Ib), N_(b) represents an oligonucleotide sequence comprising 0-10, 0-7, 0-5, 0-4, 0-2 or 0 modified nucleotides. Each N_(a) independently can represent an oligonucleotide sequence comprising 2-20, 2-15, or 2-10 modified nucleotides.

When the sense strand is represented as formula (Ic), N_(b) represents an oligonucleotide sequence comprising 0-10, 0-7, 0-10, 0-7, 0-5, 0-4, 0-2 or 0 modified nucleotides. Each N_(a) can independently represent an oligonucleotide sequence comprising 2-20, 2-15, or 2-10 modified nucleotides.

When the sense strand is represented as formula (Id), each N_(b) independently represents an oligonucleotide sequence comprising 0-10, 0-7, 0-5, 0-4, 0-2 or 0 modified nucleotides. Preferably, N_(b) is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 Each N_(a) can independently represent an oligonucleotide sequence comprising 2-20, 2-15, or 2-10 modified nucleotides.

Each of X, Y and Z may be the same or different from each other.

In other embodiments, i is 0 and j is 0, and the sense strand may be represented by the formula:

(Ia) 5′ n_(p)-N_(a)-YYY-N_(a)-n_(q) 3′.

When the sense strand is represented by formula (Ia), each N_(a) independently can represent an oligonucleotide sequence comprising 2-20, 2-15, or 2-10 modified nucleotides.

In one embodiment, the antisense strand sequence of the RNAi may be represented by formula (II):

(II) 5′ n_(q′)-N_(a)′-(Z′Z′Z′)_(k)-N_(b)′-Y′Y′Y′-N_(b)′-(X′X′X′)_(l)-N′_(a)-n_(p)′ 3′

wherein:

-   -   k and l are each independently 0 or 1;     -   p′ and q′ are each independently 0-6;     -   each N_(a)′ independently represents an oligonucleotide sequence         comprising 0-25 modified nucleotides, each sequence comprising         at least two differently modified nucleotides;     -   each N_(b)′ independently represents an oligonucleotide sequence         comprising 0-10 modified nucleotides;     -   each n_(p)′ and n_(q)′ independently represent an overhang         nucleotide;     -   wherein N_(b)′ and Y′ do not have the same modification; and     -   X′X′X′, Y′Y′Y′ and Z′Z′Z′ each independently represent one motif         of three identical modifications on three consecutive         nucleotides.

In one embodiment, the N_(a)′ and/or N_(b)′ comprise modifications of alternating pattern. The Y′Y′Y′ motif occurs at or near the cleavage site of the antisense strand. For example, when the RNAi agent has a duplex region of 17-23 nucleotide in length, the Y′Y′Y′ motif can occur at positions 9, 10, 11; 10, 11, 12; 11, 12, 13; 12, 13, 14; or 13, 14, 15 of the antisense strand, with the count starting from the 1^(st) nucleotide, from the 5′-end; or optionally, the count starting at the 1^(st) paired nucleotide within the duplex region, from the 5′-end. Preferably, the Y′Y′Y′ motif occurs at positions 11, 12, 13.

In one embodiment, Y′Y′Y′ motif is all 2′-OMe modified nucleotides.

In one embodiment, k is 1 and l is 0, or k is 0 and l is 1, or both k and l are 1.

The antisense strand can therefore be represented by the following formulas:

(IIb) 5′ n_(q′)-N_(a)′-Z′Z′Z′-N_(b)′-Y′Y′Y′-N_(a)′-n_(p′) 3′; (IIc) 5′ n_(q′)-N_(a)′-Y′Y′Y′-N_(b)′-X′X′X′-n_(p′) 3′; or (IId) 5′ n_(q′)-N_(a)′-Z′Z′Z′-N_(b)′-Y′Y′Y′-N_(b)′-X′X′X′-N_(a)′-n_(p′) 3′.

When the antisense strand is represented by formula (Ilb), N_(b)′ represents an oligonucleotide sequence comprising 0-10, 0-7, 0-10, 0-7, 0-5, 0-4, 0-2 or 0 modified nucleotides. Each N_(a)′ independently represents an oligonucleotide sequence comprising 2-20, 2-15, or 2-10 modified nucleotides.

When the antisense strand is represented as formula (IIc), N_(b)′ represents an oligonucleotide sequence comprising 0-10, 0-7, 0-10, 0-7, 0-5, 0-4, 0-2 or 0 modified nucleotides. Each N_(a)′ independently represents an oligonucleotide sequence comprising 2-20, 2-15, or 2-10 modified nucleotides.

When the antisense strand is represented as formula (IId), each N_(b)′ independently represents an oligonucleotide sequence comprising 0-10, 0-7, 0-10, 0-7, 0-5, 0-4, 0-2 or 0 modified nucleotides. Each N_(a)′ independently represents an oligonucleotide sequence comprising 2-20, 2-15, or 2-10 modified nucleotides. Preferably, N_(b) is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6.

In other embodiments, k is 0 and 1 is 0 and the antisense strand may be represented by the formula:

(Ia) 5′ n_(p′)-N_(a′)-Y′Y′Y′-N_(a′)-n_(q′) 3′.

When the antisense strand is represented as formula (IIa), each N_(a)′ independently represents an oligonucleotide sequence comprising 2-20, 2-15, or 2-10 modified nucleotides.

Each of X′, Y′ and Z′ may be the same or different from each other.

Each nucleotide of the sense strand and antisense strand may be independently modified with LNA, HNA, CeNA, 2′-methoxyethyl, 2′-O-methyl, 2′-O-allyl, 2′-C-allyl, 2′-hydroxyl, or 2′-fluoro. For example, each nucleotide of the sense strand and antisense strand is independently modified with 2′-O-methyl or 2′-fluoro. Each X, Y, Z, X′, Y′ and Z′, in particular, may represent a 2′-O-methyl modification or a 2′-fluoro modification.

In one embodiment, the sense strand of the RNAi agent may contain YYY motif occurring at 9, 10 and 11 positions of the strand when the duplex region is 21 nt, the count starting from the 1^(st) nucleotide from the 5′-end, or optionally, the count starting at the 1^(st) paired nucleotide within the duplex region, from the 5′-end; and Y represents 2′-F modification. The sense strand may additionally contain XXX motif or ZZZ motifs as wing modifications at the opposite end of the duplex region; and XXX and ZZZ each independently represents a 2′-OMe modification or 2′-F modification.

In one embodiment the antisense strand may contain Y′Y′Y′ motif occurring at positions 11, 12, 13 of the strand, the count starting from the 1^(st) nucleotide from the 5′-end, or optionally, the count starting at the 1^(st) paired nucleotide within the duplex region, from the 5′-end; and Y′ represents 2′-O-methyl modification. The antisense strand may additionally contain X′X′X′ motif or Z′Z′Z′ motifs as wing modifications at the opposite end of the duplex region; and X′X′X′ and Z′Z′Z′ each independently represents a 2′-OMe modification or 2′-F modification.

The sense strand represented by any one of the above formulas (Ia), (Ib), (Ic), and (Id) forms a duplex with a antisense strand being represented by any one of formulas (IIa), (IIb), (IIc), and (IId), respectively.

Accordingly, the RNAi agents for use in the methods of the invention may comprise a sense strand and an antisense strand, each strand having 14 to 30 nucleotides, the RNAi duplex represented by formula (III):

(III) sense: 5′ n_(p)-N_(a)-(X X X)_(i)-Nb-Y Y Y-N_(b)-(Z Z Z)_(j)-N_(a)-n_(q) 3′ antisense: 3′ n_(p)′-N_(a)′-(X′X′X′)_(k)-N_(b)′-Y′Y′Y′-N_(b)′-(Z′Z′Z′)_(l)-N_(a)′- n_(q)′ 5′

wherein:

-   -   i, j, k, and l are each independently 0 or 1;     -   p, p′, q, and q′ are each independently 0-6;     -   each N_(a) and N_(a)′ independently represents an         oligonucleotide sequence comprising 0-25 modified nucleotides,         each sequence comprising at least two differently modified         nucleotides;     -   each N_(b) and N_(b)′ independently represents an         oligonucleotide sequence comprising 0-10 modified nucleotides;

wherein

-   -   each n_(p)′, n_(p), n_(q)′, and n_(q), each of which may or may         not be present, independently represents an overhang nucleotide;         and     -   XXX, YYY, ZZZ, X′X′X′, Y′Y′Y′, and Z′Z′Z′ each independently         represent one motif of three identical modifications on three         consecutive nucleotides.

In one embodiment, i is 0 and j is 0; or i is 1 and j is 0; or i is 0 and j is 1; or both i and j are 0; or both i and j are 1. In another embodiment, k is 0 and l is 0; or k is 1 and l is 0; k is 0 and l is 1; or both k and l are 0; or both k and l are 1.

Exemplary combinations of the sense strand and antisense strand forming a RNAi duplex include the formulas below:

(IIIa) 5′ n_(p)-N_(a)-Y Y Y-N_(a)-n_(q) 3′ 3′ n_(p)′-N_(a)′-Y′Y′Y′-N_(a)′n_(q)′ 5′ (IIIb) 5′ n_(p)-N_(a)-Y Y Y-N_(b)-Z Z Z-N_(a)-n_(q) 3′ 3′ n_(p)′-N_(a)′-Y′Y′Y′-N_(b)′-Z′Z′Z′-N_(a)′n_(q)′ 5′ (IIIc) 5′ n_(p)-N_(a)-X X X-N_(b)-Y Y Y-N_(a)-n_(q) 3′ 3′ n_(p)′-N_(a)′-X′X′X′-N_(b)′-Y′Y′Y′-N_(a)′-n_(q)′ 5′ (IIId) 5′ n_(p)-N_(a)-X X X-N_(b)-Y Y Y-N_(b)-Z Z Z-N_(a)-n_(q) 3′ 3′ n_(p)′-N_(a)′-X′X′X′-N_(b)′-Y′Y′Y′-N_(b)′-Z′Z′Z′-N_(a)-n_(q)′ 5′

When the RNAi agent is represented by formula (IIIa), each N_(a) independently represents an oligonucleotide sequence comprising 2-20, 2-15, or 2-10 modified nucleotides.

When the RNAi agent is represented by formula (IIIb), each N_(b) independently represents an oligonucleotide sequence comprising 1-10, 1-7, 1-5 or 1-4 modified nucleotides. Each N_(a) independently represents an oligonucleotide sequence comprising 2-20, 2-15, or 2-10 modified nucleotides.

When the RNAi agent is represented as formula (IIIc), each N_(b), N_(b)′ independently represents an oligonucleotide sequence comprising 0-10, 0-7, 0-10, 0-7, 0-5, 0-4, 0-2 or 0 modified nucleotides. Each N_(a) independently represents an oligonucleotide sequence comprising 2-20, 2-15, or 2-10 modified nucleotides.

When the RNAi agent is represented as formula (IIId), each N_(b), N_(b)′ independently represents an oligonucleotide sequence comprising 0-10, 0-7, 0-10, 0-7, 0-5, 0-4, 0-2 or 0 modified nucleotides. Each N_(a), N_(a)′ independently represents an oligonucleotide sequence comprising 2-20, 2-15, or 2-10 modified nucleotides. Each of N_(a), N_(a)′, N_(b) and N_(b)′, independently comprises modifications of alternating pattern.

Each of X, Y and Z in formulas (III), (IIIa), (IIIb), (IIIc), and (IIId) may be the same or different from each other.

When the RNAi agent is represented by formula (III), (IIIa), (IIIb), (IIIc), and (IIId), at least one of the Y nucleotides may form a base pair with one of the Y′ nucleotides. Alternatively, at least two of the Y nucleotides form base pairs with the corresponding Y′ nucleotides; or all three of the Y nucleotides all form base pairs with the corresponding Y′ nucleotides.

When the RNAi agent is represented by formula (IIIb) or (IIId), at least one of the Z nucleotides may form a base pair with one of the Z′ nucleotides. Alternatively, at least two of the Z nucleotides form base pairs with the corresponding Z′ nucleotides; or all three of the Z nucleotides all form base pairs with the corresponding Z′ nucleotides.

When the RNAi agent is represented as formula (IIIc) or (IIId), at least one of the X nucleotides may form a base pair with one of the X′ nucleotides. Alternatively, at least two of the X nucleotides form base pairs with the corresponding X′ nucleotides; or all three of the X nucleotides all form base pairs with the corresponding X′ nucleotides.

In one embodiment, the modification on the Y nucleotide is different than the modification on the Y′ nucleotide, the modification on the Z nucleotide is different than the modification on the Z′ nucleotide, and/or the modification on the X nucleotide is different than the modification on the X′ nucleotide.

In one embodiment, when the RNAi agent is represented by formula (IIId), the N_(a) modifications are 2′-O-methyl or 2′-fluoro modifications. In another embodiment, when the RNAi agent is represented by formula (IIId), the N_(a) modifications are 2′-O-methyl or 2′-fluoro modifications and n_(p)′>0 and at least one n_(p)′ is linked to a neighboring nucleotide a via phosphorothioate linkage. In yet another embodiment, when the RNAi agent is represented by formula (IIId), the N_(a) modifications are 2′-O-methyl or 2′-fluoro modifications, n_(p)′>0 and at least one n_(p)′ is linked to a neighboring nucleotide via phosphorothioate linkage, and the sense strand is conjugated to one or more GalNAc derivatives attached through a bivalent or trivalent branched linker (described below). In another embodiment, when the RNAi agent is represented by formula (IIId), the N_(a) modifications are 2′-O-methyl or 2′-fluoro modifications, n_(p)′>0 and at least one n_(p)′ is linked to a neighboring nucleotide via phosphorothioate linkage, the sense strand comprises at least one phosphorothioate linkage, and the sense strand is conjugated to one or more GalNAc derivatives attached through a bivalent or trivalent branched linker.

In one embodiment, when the RNAi agent is represented by formula (IIIa), the N_(a) modifications are 2′-O-methyl or 2′-fluoro modifications, n_(p)′>0 and at least one n_(p)′ is linked to a neighboring nucleotide via phosphorothioate linkage, the sense strand comprises at least one phosphorothioate linkage, and the sense strand is conjugated to one or more GalNAc derivatives attached through a bivalent or trivalent branched linker.

In one embodiment, the RNAi agent is a multimer containing at least two duplexes represented by formula (III), (IIIa), (IIIb), (IIIc), and (IIId), wherein the duplexes are connected by a linker. The linker can be cleavable or non-cleavable. Optionally, the multimer further comprises a ligand. Each of the duplexes can target the same gene or two different genes; or each of the duplexes can target same gene at two different target sites.

In one embodiment, the RNAi agent is a multimer containing three, four, five, six or more duplexes represented by formula (III), (IIIa), (IIIb), (IIIc), and (IIId), wherein the duplexes are connected by a linker. The linker can be cleavable or non-cleavable. Optionally, the multimer further comprises a ligand. Each of the duplexes can target the same gene or two different genes; or each of the duplexes can target same gene at two different target sites.

In one embodiment, two RNAi agents represented by formula (III), (IIIa), (IIIb), (IIIc), and (IIId) are linked to each other at the 5′ end, and one or both of the 3′ ends and are optionally conjugated to a ligand. Each of the agents can target the same gene or two different genes; or each of the agents can target same gene at two different target sites.

Various publications describe multimeric RNAi agents that can be used in the methods of the invention. Such publications include WO2007/091269, U.S. Pat. No. 7,858,769, WO2010/141511, WO2007/117686, WO2009/014887 and WO2011/031520 the entire contents of each of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

As described in more detail below, the RNAi agent that contains conjugations of one or more carbohydrate moieties to a RNAi agent can optimize one or more properties of the RNAi agent. In many cases, the carbohydrate moiety will be attached to a modified subunit of the RNAi agent. For example, the ribose sugar of one or more ribonucleotide subunits of a dsRNA agent can be replaced with another moiety, e.g., a non-carbohydrate (preferably cyclic) carrier to which is attached a carbohydrate ligand. A ribonucleotide subunit in which the ribose sugar of the subunit has been so replaced is referred to herein as a ribose replacement modification subunit (RRMS). A cyclic carrier may be a carbocyclic ring system, i.e., all ring atoms are carbon atoms, or a heterocyclic ring system, i.e., one or more ring atoms may be a heteroatom, e.g., nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur. The cyclic carrier may be a monocyclic ring system, or may contain two or more rings, e.g. fused rings. The cyclic carrier may be a fully saturated ring system, or it may contain one or more double bonds.

The ligand may be attached to the polynucleotide via a carrier. The carriers include (i) at least one “backbone attachment point,” preferably two “backbone attachment points” and (ii) at least one “tethering attachment point.” A “backbone attachment point” as used herein refers to a functional group, e.g. a hydroxyl group, or generally, a bond available for, and that is suitable for incorporation of the carrier into the backbone, e.g., the phosphate, or modified phosphate, e.g., sulfur containing, backbone, of a ribonucleic acid. A “tethering attachment point” (TAP) in some embodiments refers to a constituent ring atom of the cyclic carrier, e.g., a carbon atom or a heteroatom (distinct from an atom which provides a backbone attachment point), that connects a selected moiety. The moiety can be, e.g., a carbohydrate, e.g. monosaccharide, disaccharide, trisaccharide, tetrasaccharide, oligosaccharide and polysaccharide. Optionally, the selected moiety is connected by an intervening tether to the cyclic carrier. Thus, the cyclic carrier will often include a functional group, e.g., an amino group, or generally, provide a bond, that is suitable for incorporation or tethering of another chemical entity, e.g., a ligand to the constituent ring.

The RNAi agents may be conjugated to a ligand via a carrier, wherein the carrier can be cyclic group or acyclic group; preferably, the cyclic group is selected from pyrrolidinyl, pyrazolinyl, pyrazolidinyl, imidazolinyl, imidazolidinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, [1,3]dioxolane, oxazolidinyl, isoxazolidinyl, morpholinyl, thiazolidinyl, isothiazolidinyl, quinoxalinyl, pyridazinonyl, tetrahydrofuryl and decalin; preferably, the acyclic group is selected from serinol backbone or diethanolamine backbone.

In certain specific embodiments, the RNAi agent for use in the methods of the invention is an agent selected from the group of agents listed in any one of Tables 3, 4, 5, 6, 18, 19, 20, 21, and 23. These agents may further comprise a ligand.

IV. iRNAs Conjugated to Ligands

Another modification of the RNA of an iRNA of the invention involves chemically linking to the RNA one or more ligands, moieties or conjugates that enhance the activity, cellular distribution or cellular uptake of the iRNA. Such moieties include but are not limited to lipid moieties such as a cholesterol moiety (Letsinger et al., Proc. Natl. Acid. Sci. USA, 1989, 86: 6553-6556), cholic acid (Manoharan et al., Biorg. Med. Chem. Let., 1994, 4:1053-1060), a thioether, e.g., beryl-S-tritylthiol (Manoharan et al., Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci., 1992, 660:306-309; Manoharan et al., Biorg. Med. Chem. Let., 1993, 3:2765-2770), a thiocholesterol (Oberhauser et al., Nucl. Acids Res., 1992, 20:533-538), an aliphatic chain, e.g., dodecandiol or undecyl residues (Saison-Behmoaras et al., EMBO J, 1991, 10:1111-1118; Kabanov et al., FEBS Lett., 1990, 259:327-330; Svinarchuk et al., Biochimie, 1993, 75:49-54), a phospholipid, e.g., di-hexadecyl-rac-glycerol or triethyl-ammonium 1,2-di-O-hexadecyl-rac-glycero-3-phosphonate (Manoharan et al., Tetrahedron Lett., 1995, 36:3651-3654; Shea et al., Nucl. Acids Res., 1990, 18:3777-3783), a polyamine or a polyethylene glycol chain (Manoharan et al., Nucleosides & Nucleotides, 1995, 14:969-973), or adamantane acetic acid (Manoharan et al., Tetrahedron Lett., 1995, 36:3651-3654), a palmityl moiety (Mishra et al., Biochim. Biophys. Acta, 1995, 1264:229-237), or an octadecylamine or hexylamino-carbonyloxycholesterol moiety (Crooke et al., J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther., 1996, 277:923-937).

In one embodiment, a ligand alters the distribution, targeting or lifetime of an iRNA agent into which it is incorporated. In preferred embodiments a ligand provides an enhanced affinity for a selected target, e.g., molecule, cell or cell type, compartment, e.g., a cellular or organ compartment, tissue, organ or region of the body, as, e.g., compared to a species absent such a ligand. Preferred ligands will not take part in duplex pairing in a duplexed nucleic acid.

Ligands can include a naturally occurring substance, such as a protein (e.g., human serum albumin (HSA), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or globulin); carbohydrate (e.g., a dextran, pullulan, chitin, chitosan, inulin, cyclodextrin, N-acetylgalactosamine, or hyaluronic acid); or a lipid. The ligand can also be a recombinant or synthetic molecule, such as a synthetic polymer, e.g., a synthetic polyamino acid. Examples of polyamino acids include polyamino acid is a polylysine (PLL), poly L-aspartic acid, poly L-glutamic acid, styrene-maleic acid anhydride copolymer, poly(L-lactide-co-glycolied) copolymer, divinyl ether-maleic anhydride copolymer, N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide copolymer (HMPA), polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyurethane, poly(2-ethylacryllic acid), N-isopropylacrylamide polymers, or polyphosphazine. Example of polyamines include: polyethylenimine, polylysine (PLL), spermine, spermidine, polyamine, pseudopeptide-polyamine, peptidomimetic polyamine, dendrimer polyamine, arginine, amidine, protamine, cationic lipid, cationic porphyrin, quaternary salt of a polyamine, or an alpha helical peptide.

Ligands can also include targeting groups, e.g., a cell or tissue targeting agent, e.g., a lectin, glycoprotein, lipid or protein, e.g., an antibody, that binds to a specified cell type such as a kidney cell. A targeting group can be a thyrotropin, melanotropin, lectin, glycoprotein, surfactant protein A, Mucin carbohydrate, multivalent lactose, multivalent galactose, N-acetyl-galactosamine, N-acetyl-gulucoseamine multivalent mannose, multivalent fucose, glycosylated polyaminoacids, multivalent galactose, transferrin, bisphosphonate, polyglutamate, polyaspartate, a lipid, cholesterol, a steroid, bile acid, folate, vitamin B12, vitamin A, biotin, or an RGD peptide or RGD peptide mimetic.

Other examples of ligands include dyes, intercalating agents (e.g. acridines), cross-linkers (e.g. psoralene, mitomycin C), porphyrins (TPPC4, texaphyrin, Sapphyrin), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g., phenazine, dihydrophenazine), artificial endonucleases (e.g. EDTA), lipophilic molecules, e.g., cholesterol, cholic acid, adamantane acetic acid, 1-pyrene butyric acid, dihydrotestosterone, 1,3-Bis-O(hexadecyl)glycerol, geranyloxyhexyl group, hexadecylglycerol, borneol, menthol, 1,3-propanediol, heptadecyl group, palmitic acid, myristic acid, O3-(oleoyl)lithocholic acid, O3-(oleoyl)cholenic acid, dimethoxytrityl, or phenoxazine) and peptide conjugates (e.g., antennapedia peptide, Tat peptide), alkylating agents, phosphate, amino, mercapto, PEG (e.g., PEG-40K), MPEG, [MPEG]₂, polyamino, alkyl, substituted alkyl, radiolabeled markers, enzymes, haptens (e.g. biotin), transport/absorption facilitators (e.g., aspirin, vitamin E, folic acid), synthetic ribonucleases (e.g., imidazole, bisimidazole, histamine, imidazole clusters, acridine-imidazole conjugates, Eu3+ complexes of tetraazamacrocycles), dinitrophenyl, HRP, or AP.

Ligands can be proteins, e.g., glycoproteins, or peptides, e.g., molecules having a specific affinity for a co-ligand, or antibodies e.g., an antibody, that binds to a specified cell type such as a hepatic cell. Ligands can also include hormones and hormone receptors. They can also include non-peptidic species, such as lipids, lectins, carbohydrates, vitamins, cofactors, multivalent lactose, multivalent galactose, N-acetyl-galactosamine, N-acetyl-gulucosamine multivalent mannose, or multivalent fucose. The ligand can be, for example, a lipopolysaccharide, an activator of p38 MAP kinase, or an activator of NF-κB.

The ligand can be a substance, e.g., a drug, which can increase the uptake of the iRNA agent into the cell, for example, by disrupting the cell's cytoskeleton, e.g., by disrupting the cell's microtubules, microfilaments, and/or intermediate filaments. The drug can be, for example, taxon, vincristine, vinblastine, cytochalasin, nocodazole, japlakinolide, latrunculin A, phalloidin, swinholide A, indanocine, or myoservin.

In some embodiments, a ligand attached to an iRNA as described herein acts as a pharmacokinetic modulator (PK modulator). PK modulators include lipophiles, bile acids, steroids, phospholipid analogues, peptides, protein binding agents, PEG, vitamins etc. Exemplary PK modulators include, but are not limited to, cholesterol, fatty acids, cholic acid, lithocholic acid, dialkylglycerides, diacylglyceride, phospholipids, sphingolipids, naproxen, ibuprofen, vitamin E, biotin etc. Oligonucleotides that comprise a number of phosphorothioate linkages are also known to bind to serum protein, thus short oligonucleotides, e.g., oligonucleotides of about 5 bases, 10 bases, 15 bases or 20 bases, comprising multiple of phosphorothioate linkages in the backbone are also amenable to the present invention as ligands (e.g. as PK modulating ligands). In addition, aptamers that bind serum components (e.g. serum proteins) are also suitable for use as PK modulating ligands in the embodiments described herein.

Ligand-conjugated oligonucleotides of the invention may be synthesized by the use of an oligonucleotide that bears a pendant reactive functionality, such as that derived from the attachment of a linking molecule onto the oligonucleotide (described below). This reactive oligonucleotide may be reacted directly with commercially-available ligands, ligands that are synthesized bearing any of a variety of protecting groups, or ligands that have a linking moiety attached thereto.

The oligonucleotides used in the conjugates of the present invention may be conveniently and routinely made through the well-known technique of solid-phase synthesis. Equipment for such synthesis is sold by several vendors including, for example, Applied Biosystems (Foster City, Calif.). Any other means for such synthesis known in the art may additionally or alternatively be employed. It is also known to use similar techniques to prepare other oligonucleotides, such as the phosphorothioates and alkylated derivatives.

In the ligand-conjugated oligonucleotides and ligand-molecule bearing sequence-specific linked nucleosides of the present invention, the oligonucleotides and oligonucleosides may be assembled on a suitable DNA synthesizer utilizing standard nucleotide or nucleoside precursors, or nucleotide or nucleoside conjugate precursors that already bear the linking moiety, ligand-nucleotide or nucleoside-conjugate precursors that already bear the ligand molecule, or non-nucleoside ligand-bearing building blocks.

When using nucleotide-conjugate precursors that already bear a linking moiety, the synthesis of the sequence-specific linked nucleosides is typically completed, and the ligand molecule is then reacted with the linking moiety to form the ligand-conjugated oligonucleotide. In some embodiments, the oligonucleotides or linked nucleosides of the present invention are synthesized by an automated synthesizer using phosphoramidites derived from ligand-nucleoside conjugates in addition to the standard phosphoramidites and non-standard phosphoramidites that are commercially available and routinely used in oligonucleotide synthesis.

A. Lipid Conjugates

In one embodiment, the ligand or conjugate is a lipid or lipid-based molecule. Such a lipid or lipid-based molecule preferably binds a serum protein, e.g., human serum albumin (HSA). An HSA binding ligand allows for distribution of the conjugate to a target tissue, e.g., a non-kidney target tissue of the body. For example, the target tissue can be the liver, including parenchymal cells of the liver. Other molecules that can bind HSA can also be used as ligands. For example, naproxen or aspirin can be used. A lipid or lipid-based ligand can (a) increase resistance to degradation of the conjugate, (b) increase targeting or transport into a target cell or cell membrane, and/or (c) can be used to adjust binding to a serum protein, e.g., HSA.

A lipid based ligand can be used to inhibit, e.g., control the binding of the conjugate to a target tissue. For example, a lipid or lipid-based ligand that binds to HSA more strongly will be less likely to be targeted to the kidney and therefore less likely to be cleared from the body. A lipid or lipid-based ligand that binds to HSA less strongly can be used to target the conjugate to the kidney.

In a preferred embodiment, the lipid based ligand binds HSA. Preferably, it binds HSA with a sufficient affinity such that the conjugate will be preferably distributed to a non-kidney tissue. However, it is preferred that the affinity not be so strong that the HSA-ligand binding cannot be reversed.

In another preferred embodiment, the lipid based ligand binds HSA weakly or not at all, such that the conjugate will be preferably distributed to the kidney. Other moieties that target to kidney cells can also be used in place of or in addition to the lipid based ligand.

In another aspect, the ligand is a moiety, e.g., a vitamin, which is taken up by a target cell, e.g., a proliferating cell. These are particularly useful for treating disorders characterized by unwanted cell proliferation, e.g., of the malignant or non-malignant type, e.g., cancer cells. Exemplary vitamins include vitamin A, E, and K. Other exemplary vitamins include are B vitamin, e.g., folic acid, B12, riboflavin, biotin, pyridoxal or other vitamins or nutrients taken up by target cells such as liver cells. Also included are HSA and low density lipoprotein (LDL).

B. Cell Permeation Agents

In another aspect, the ligand is a cell-permeation agent, preferably a helical cell-permeation agent. Preferably, the agent is amphipathic. An exemplary agent is a peptide such as tat or antennopedia. If the agent is a peptide, it can be modified, including a peptidylmimetic, invertomers, non-peptide or pseudo-peptide linkages, and use of D-amino acids. The helical agent is preferably an alpha-helical agent, which preferably has a lipophilic and a lipophobic phase.

The ligand can be a peptide or peptidomimetic. A peptidomimetic (also referred to herein as an oligopeptidomimetic) is a molecule capable of folding into a defined three-dimensional structure similar to a natural peptide. The attachment of peptide and peptidomimetics to iRNA agents can affect pharmacokinetic distribution of the iRNA, such as by enhancing cellular recognition and absorption. The peptide or peptidomimetic moiety can be about 5-50 amino acids long, e.g., about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50 amino acids long.

A peptide or peptidomimetic can be, for example, a cell permeation peptide, cationic peptide, amphipathic peptide, or hydrophobic peptide (e.g., consisting primarily of Tyr, Trp or Phe). The peptide moiety can be a dendrimer peptide, constrained peptide or crosslinked peptide. In another alternative, the peptide moiety can include a hydrophobic membrane translocation sequence (MTS). An exemplary hydrophobic MTS-containing peptide is RFGF having the amino acid sequence AAVALLPAVLLALLAP (SEQ ID NO: 9). An RFGF analogue (e.g., amino acid sequence AALLPVLLAAP (SEQ ID NO: 10) containing a hydrophobic MTS can also be a targeting moiety. The peptide moiety can be a “delivery” peptide, which can carry large polar molecules including peptides, oligonucleotides, and protein across cell membranes. For example, sequences from the HIV Tat protein (GRKKRRQRRRPPQ (SEQ ID NO: 11) and the Drosophila Antennapedia protein (RQIKIWFQNRRMKWKK (SEQ ID NO: 12) have been found to be capable of functioning as delivery peptides. A peptide or peptidomimetic can be encoded by a random sequence of DNA, such as a peptide identified from a phage-display library, or one-bead-one-compound (OBOC) combinatorial library (Lam et al., Nature, 354:82-84, 1991). Examples of a peptide or peptidomimetic tethered to a dsRNA agent via an incorporated monomer unit for cell targeting purposes is an arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD)-peptide, or RGD mimic. A peptide moiety can range in length from about 5 amino acids to about 40 amino acids. The peptide moieties can have a structural modification, such as to increase stability or direct conformational properties. Any of the structural modifications described below can be utilized.

An RGD peptide for use in the compositions and methods of the invention may be linear or cyclic, and may be modified, e.g., glycosylated or methylated, to facilitate targeting to a specific tissue(s). RGD-containing peptides and peptidiomimemtics may include D-amino acids, as well as synthetic RGD mimics. In addition to RGD, one can use other moieties that target the integrin ligand. Preferred conjugates of this ligand target PECAM-1 or VEGF.

A “cell permeation peptide” is capable of permeating a cell, e.g., a microbial cell, such as a bacterial or fungal cell, or a mammalian cell, such as a human cell. A microbial cell-permeating peptide can be, for example, a α-helical linear peptide (e.g., LL-37 or Ceropin P1), a disulfide bond-containing peptide (e.g., α-defensin, β-defensin or bactenecin), or a peptide containing only one or two dominating amino acids (e.g., PR-39 or indolicidin). A cell permeation peptide can also include a nuclear localization signal (NLS). For example, a cell permeation peptide can be a bipartite amphipathic peptide, such as MPG, which is derived from the fusion peptide domain of HIV-1 gp41 and the NLS of SV40 large T antigen (Simeoni et al., Nucl. Acids Res. 31:2717-2724, 2003).

C. Carbohydrate Conjugates

In some embodiments of the compositions and methods of the invention, an iRNA oligonucleotide further comprises a carbohydrate. The carbohydrate conjugated iRNA are advantageous for the in vivo delivery of nucleic acids, as well as compositions suitable for in vivo therapeutic use, as described herein. As used herein, “carbohydrate” refers to a compound which is either a carbohydrate per se made up of one or more monosaccharide units having at least 6 carbon atoms (which can be linear, branched or cyclic) with an oxygen, nitrogen or sulfur atom bonded to each carbon atom; or a compound having as a part thereof a carbohydrate moiety made up of one or more monosaccharide units each having at least six carbon atoms (which can be linear, branched or cyclic), with an oxygen, nitrogen or sulfur atom bonded to each carbon atom. Representative carbohydrates include the sugars (mono-, di-, tri- and oligosaccharides containing from about 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9 monosaccharide units), and polysaccharides such as starches, glycogen, cellulose and polysaccharide gums. Specific monosaccharides include C5 and above (e.g., C5, C6, C7, or C8) sugars; di- and trisaccharides include sugars having two or three monosaccharide units (e.g., C5, C6, C7, or C8).

In one embodiment, a carbohydrate conjugate for use in the compositions and methods of the invention is a monosaccharide. In one embodiment, the monosaccharide is an N-acetylgalactosamine, such as

In another embodiment, a carbohydrate conjugate for use in the compositions and methods of the invention is selected from the group consisting of:

Another representative carbohydrate conjugate for use in the embodiments described herein includes, but is not limited to

when one of X or Y is an oligonucleotide, the other is a hydrogen.

In some embodiments, the carbohydrate conjugate further comprises one or more additional ligands as described above, such as, but not limited to, a PK modulator and/or a cell permeation peptide.

D. Linkers

In some embodiments, the conjugate or ligand described herein can be attached to an iRNA oligonucleotide with various linkers that can be cleavable or non-cleavable.

The term “linker” or “linking group” means an organic moiety that connects two parts of a compound, e.g., covalently attaches two parts of a compound. Linkers typically comprise a direct bond or an atom such as oxygen or sulfur, a unit such as NR8, C(O), C(O)NH, SO, SO₂, SO₂NH or a chain of atoms, such as, but not limited to, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkynyl, arylalkyl, arylalkenyl, arylalkynyl, heteroarylalkyl, heteroarylalkenyl, heteroarylalkynyl, heterocyclylalkyl, heterocyclylalkenyl, heterocyclylalkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, heterocyclyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, alkylarylalkyl, alkylarylalkenyl, alkylarylalkynyl, alkenylarylalkyl, alkenylarylalkenyl, alkenylarylalkynyl, alkynylarylalkyl, alkynylarylalkenyl, alkynylarylalkynyl, alkylheteroarylalkyl, alkylheteroarylalkenyl, alkylheteroarylalkynyl, alkenylheteroarylalkyl, alkenylheteroarylalkenyl, alkenylheteroarylalkynyl, alkynylheteroarylalkyl, alkynylheteroarylalkenyl, alkynylheteroarylalkynyl, alkylheterocyclylalkyl, alkylheterocyclylalkenyl, alkylhererocyclylalkynyl, alkenylheterocyclylalkyl, alkenylheterocyclylalkenyl, alkenylheterocyclylalkynyl, alkynylheterocyclylalkyl, alkynylheterocyclylalkenyl, alkynylheterocyclylalkynyl, alkylaryl, alkenylaryl, alkynylaryl, alkylheteroaryl, alkenylheteroaryl, alkynylhereroaryl, which one or more methylenes can be interrupted or terminated by O, S, S(O), SO₂, N(R8), C(O), substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl, substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic; where R8 is hydrogen, acyl, aliphatic or substituted aliphatic. In one embodiment, the linker is between about 1-24 atoms, 2-24, 3-24, 4-24, 5-24, 6-24, 6-18, 7-18, 8-18 atoms, 7-17, 8-17, 6-16, 7-16, or 8-16 atoms.

A cleavable linking group is one which is sufficiently stable outside the cell, but which upon entry into a target cell is cleaved to release the two parts the linker is holding together. In a preferred embodiment, the cleavable linking group is cleaved at least about 10 times, 20, times, 30 times, 40 times, 50 times, 60 times, 70 times, 80 times, 90 times or more, or at least about 100 times faster in a target cell or under a first reference condition (which can, e.g., be selected to mimic or represent intracellular conditions) than in the blood of a subject, or under a second reference condition (which can, e.g., be selected to mimic or represent conditions found in the blood or serum).

Cleavable linking groups are susceptible to cleavage agents, e.g., pH, redox potential or the presence of degradative molecules. Generally, cleavage agents are more prevalent or found at higher levels or activities inside cells than in serum or blood. Examples of such degradative agents include: redox agents which are selected for particular substrates or which have no substrate specificity, including, e.g., oxidative or reductive enzymes or reductive agents such as mercaptans, present in cells, that can degrade a redox cleavable linking group by reduction; esterases; endosomes or agents that can create an acidic environment, e.g., those that result in a pH of five or lower; enzymes that can hydrolyze or degrade an acid cleavable linking group by acting as a general acid, peptidases (which can be substrate specific), and phosphatases.

A cleavable linkage group, such as a disulfide bond can be susceptible to pH. The pH of human serum is 7.4, while the average intracellular pH is slightly lower, ranging from about 7.1-7.3. Endosomes have a more acidic pH, in the range of 5.5-6.0, and lysosomes have an even more acidic pH at around 5.0. Some linkers will have a cleavable linking group that is cleaved at a preferred pH, thereby releasing a cationic lipid from the ligand inside the cell, or into the desired compartment of the cell.

A linker can include a cleavable linking group that is cleavable by a particular enzyme. The type of cleavable linking group incorporated into a linker can depend on the cell to be targeted. For example, a liver-targeting ligand can be linked to a cationic lipid through a linker that includes an ester group. Liver cells are rich in esterases, and therefore the linker will be cleaved more efficiently in liver cells than in cell types that are not esterase-rich. Other cell-types rich in esterases include cells of the lung, renal cortex, and testis.

Linkers that contain peptide bonds can be used when targeting cell types rich in peptidases, such as liver cells and synoviocytes.

In general, the suitability of a candidate cleavable linking group can be evaluated by testing the ability of a degradative agent (or condition) to cleave the candidate linking group. It will also be desirable to also test the candidate cleavable linking group for the ability to resist cleavage in the blood or when in contact with other non-target tissue. Thus, one can determine the relative susceptibility to cleavage between a first and a second condition, where the first is selected to be indicative of cleavage in a target cell and the second is selected to be indicative of cleavage in other tissues or biological fluids, e.g., blood or serum. The evaluations can be carried out in cell free systems, in cells, in cell culture, in organ or tissue culture, or in whole animals. It can be useful to make initial evaluations in cell-free or culture conditions and to confirm by further evaluations in whole animals. In preferred embodiments, useful candidate compounds are cleaved at least about 2, 4, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, or about 100 times faster in the cell (or under in vitro conditions selected to mimic intracellular conditions) as compared to blood or serum (or under in vitro conditions selected to mimic extracellular conditions).

i. Redox Cleavable Linking Groups

In one embodiment, a cleavable linking group is a redox cleavable linking group that is cleaved upon reduction or oxidation. An example of reductively cleavable linking group is a disulphide linking group (—S—S—). To determine if a candidate cleavable linking group is a suitable “reductively cleavable linking group,” or for example is suitable for use with a particular iRNA moiety and particular targeting agent one can look to methods described herein. For example, a candidate can be evaluated by incubation with dithiothreitol (DTT), or other reducing agent using reagents know in the art, which mimic the rate of cleavage which would be observed in a cell, e.g., a target cell. The candidates can also be evaluated under conditions which are selected to mimic blood or serum conditions. In one, candidate compounds are cleaved by at most about 10% in the blood. In other embodiments, useful candidate compounds are degraded at least about 2, 4, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, or about 100 times faster in the cell (or under in vitro conditions selected to mimic intracellular conditions) as compared to blood (or under in vitro conditions selected to mimic extracellular conditions). The rate of cleavage of candidate compounds can be determined using standard enzyme kinetics assays under conditions chosen to mimic intracellular media and compared to conditions chosen to mimic extracellular media.

ii. Phosphate-Based Cleavable Linking Groups

In another embodiment, a cleavable linker comprises a phosphate-based cleavable linking group. A phosphate-based cleavable linking group is cleaved by agents that degrade or hydrolyze the phosphate group. An example of an agent that cleaves phosphate groups in cells are enzymes such as phosphatases in cells. Examples of phosphate-based linking groups are —O—P(O)(ORk)-O—, —O—P(S)(ORk)-O—, —O—P(S)(SRk)-O—, —S—P(O)(ORk)-O—, —O—P(O)(ORk)-S—, —S—P(O)(ORk)-S—, —O—P(S)(ORk)-S—, —S—P(S)(ORk)-O—, —O—P(O)(Rk)-O—, —O—P(S)(Rk)-O—, —S—P(O)(Rk)-O—, —S—P(S)(Rk)-O—, —S—P(O)(Rk)-S—, —O—P(S)(Rk)-S—. Preferred embodiments are —O—P(O)(OH)—O—, —O—P(S)(OH)—O—, —O—P(S)(SH)—O—, —S—P(O)(OH)—O—, —O—P(O)(OH)—S—, —S—P(O)(OH)—S—, —O—P(S)(OH)—S—, —S—P(S)(OH)—O—, —O—P(O)(H)—O—, —O—P(S)(H)—O—, —S—P(O)(H)—O, —S—P(S)(H)—O—, —S—P(O)(H)—S—, —O—P(S)(H)—S—. A preferred embodiment is —O—P(O)(OH)—O—. These candidates can be evaluated using methods analogous to those described above.

iii. Acid Cleavable Linking Groups

In another embodiment, a cleavable linker comprises an acid cleavable linking group. An acid cleavable linking group is a linking group that is cleaved under acidic conditions. In preferred embodiments acid cleavable linking groups are cleaved in an acidic environment with a pH of about 6.5 or lower (e.g., about 6.0, 5.75, 5.5, 5.25, 5.0, or lower), or by agents such as enzymes that can act as a general acid. In a cell, specific low pH organelles, such as endosomes and lysosomes can provide a cleaving environment for acid cleavable linking groups. Examples of acid cleavable linking groups include but are not limited to hydrazones, esters, and esters of amino acids. Acid cleavable groups can have the general formula —C═NN—, C(O)O, or —OC(O). A preferred embodiment is when the carbon attached to the oxygen of the ester (the alkoxy group) is an aryl group, substituted alkyl group, or tertiary alkyl group such as dimethyl pentyl or t-butyl. These candidates can be evaluated using methods analogous to those described above.

iv. Ester-Based Linking Groups

In another embodiment, a cleavable linker comprises an ester-based cleavable linking group. An ester-based cleavable linking group is cleaved by enzymes such as esterases and amidases in cells. Examples of ester-based cleavable linking groups include but are not limited to esters of alkylene, alkenylene and alkynylene groups. Ester cleavable linking groups have the general formula —C(O)O—, or —OC(O)—. These candidates can be evaluated using methods analogous to those described above.

v. Peptide-Based Cleaving Groups

In yet another embodiment, a cleavable linker comprises a peptide-based cleavable linking group. A peptide-based cleavable linking group is cleaved by enzymes such as peptidases and proteases in cells. Peptide-based cleavable linking groups are peptide bonds formed between amino acids to yield oligopeptides (e.g., dipeptides, tripeptides etc.) and polypeptides. Peptide-based cleavable groups do not include the amide group (—C(O)NH—). The amide group can be formed between any alkylene, alkenylene or alkynelene. A peptide bond is a special type of amide bond formed between amino acids to yield peptides and proteins. The peptide based cleavage group is generally limited to the peptide bond (i.e., the amide bond) formed between amino acids yielding peptides and proteins and does not include the entire amide functional group. Peptide-based cleavable linking groups have the general formula —NHCHRAC(O)NHCHRBC(O)—, where RA and RB are the R groups of the two adjacent amino acids. These candidates can be evaluated using methods analogous to those described above.

In one embodiment, an iRNA of the invention is conjugated to a carbohydrate through a linker. Non-limiting examples of iRNA carbohydrate conjugates with linkers of the comnositions and methods of the invention include, but are not limited to,

when one of X or Y is an oligonucleotide, the other is a hydrogen.

In certain embodiments of the compositions and methods of the invention, a ligand is one or more “GalNAc” (N-acetylgalactosamine) derivatives attached through a bivalent or trivalent branched linker.

In one embodiment, a dsRNA of the invention is conjugated to a bivalent or trivalent branched linker selected from the group of structures shown in any of formula (XXXI)-(XXXIV):

wherein:

-   -   q2A, q2B, q3A, q3B, q4A, q4B, q5A, q5B and q5C represent         independently for each occurrence 0-20 and wherein the repeating         unit can be the same or different;     -   P^(2A), P^(2B), P^(3A), P^(3B), P^(4A), P^(4B), P^(5A), P^(5B),         P^(5C), T^(2A), T^(2B), T^(3A), T^(3B), T^(4A), T^(4B), T^(4A),         T^(5B), T^(5C) are each independently for each occurrence         absent, CO, NH, O, S, OC(O), NHC(O), CH₂, CH₂NH or CH₂O;     -   Q^(2A), Q^(2B), Q^(3A), Q^(3B), Q^(4A), Q^(4B), Q^(5A), Q^(5B),         Q^(5C) are independently for each occurrence absent, alkylene,         substituted alkylene wherin one or more methylenes can be         interrupted or terminated by one or more of O, S, S(O), SO₂,         N(R^(N)), C(R′)═C(R″), C≡C or C(O);     -   R^(2A), R^(2B), R^(3A), R^(3B), R^(4A), R^(4B), R^(5A), R^(5B),         R^(5C) are each independently for each occurrence absent, NH, O,         S, CH₂, C(O)O, C(O)NH, NHCH(R^(a))C(O), —C(O)—CH(R^(a))—NH—, CO,         CH═N—O,

-   -    or heterocyclyl;         -   L^(2A), L^(2B), L^(3A), L^(3B), L^(4A), L^(4B), L^(5A),             L^(5B) and L^(5C) represent the ligand; i.e. each             independently for each occurrence a monosaccharide (such as             GalNAc), disaccharide, trisaccharide, tetrasaccharide,             oligosaccharide, or polysaccharide; and R^(a) is H or amino             acid side chain. Trivalent conjugating GalNAc derivatives             are particularly useful for use with RNAi agents for             inhibiting the expression of a target gene, such as those of             formula (XXXV):

-   -   -   -   wherein L^(5A), L^(5B) and L^(5C) represent a                 monosaccharide, such as GalNAc derivative.

Examples of suitable bivalent and trivalent branched linker groups conjugating GalNAc derivatives include, but are not limited to, the structures recited above as formulas II, VII, XI, X, and XIII.

Representative U.S. patents that teach the preparation of RNA conjugates include, but are not limited to, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,828,979; 4,948,882; 5,218,105; 5,525,465; 5,541,313; 5,545,730; 5,552,538; 5,578,717, 5,580,731; 5,591,584; 5,109,124; 5,118,802; 5,138,045; 5,414,077; 5,486,603; 5,512,439; 5,578,718; 5,608,046; 4,587,044; 4,605,735; 4,667,025; 4,762,779; 4,789,737; 4,824,941; 4,835,263; 4,876,335; 4,904,582; 4,958,013; 5,082,830; 5,112,963; 5,214,136; 5,082,830; 5,112,963; 5,214,136; 5,245,022; 5,254,469; 5,258,506; 5,262,536; 5,272,250; 5,292,873; 5,317,098; 5,371,241, 5,391,723; 5,416,203, 5,451,463; 5,510,475; 5,512,667; 5,514,785; 5,565,552; 5,567,810; 5,574,142; 5,585,481; 5,587,371; 5,595,726; 5,597,696; 5,599,923; 5,599,928 and 5,688,941; 6,294,664; 6,320,017; 6,576,752; 6,783,931; 6,900,297; 7,037,646; 8,106,022, the entire contents of each of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

It is not necessary for all positions in a given compound to be uniformly modified, and in fact more than one of the aforementioned modifications can be incorporated in a single compound or even at a single nucleoside within an iRNA. The present invention also includes iRNA compounds that are chimeric compounds.

“Chimeric” iRNA compounds or “chimeras,” in the context of this invention, are iRNA compounds, preferably dsRNAs, which contain two or more chemically distinct regions, each made up of at least one monomer unit, i.e., a nucleotide in the case of a dsRNA compound. These iRNAs typically contain at least one region wherein the RNA is modified so as to confer upon the iRNA increased resistance to nuclease degradation, increased cellular uptake, and/or increased binding affinity for the target nucleic acid. An additional region of the iRNA can serve as a substrate for enzymes capable of cleaving RNA:DNA or RNA:RNA hybrids. By way of example, RNase H is a cellular endonuclease which cleaves the RNA strand of an RNA:DNA duplex. Activation of RNase H, therefore, results in cleavage of the RNA target, thereby greatly enhancing the efficiency of iRNA inhibition of gene expression. Consequently, comparable results can often be obtained with shorter iRNAs when chimeric dsRNAs are used, compared to phosphorothioate deoxy dsRNAs hybridizing to the same target region. Cleavage of the RNA target can be routinely detected by gel electrophoresis and, if necessary, associated nucleic acid hybridization techniques known in the art.

In certain instances, the RNA of an iRNA can be modified by a non-ligand group. A number of non-ligand molecules have been conjugated to iRNAs in order to enhance the activity, cellular distribution or cellular uptake of the iRNA, and procedures for performing such conjugations are available in the scientific literature. Such non-ligand moieties have included lipid moieties, such as cholesterol (Kubo, T. et al., Biochem. Biophys. Res. Comm., 2007, 365(1):54-61; Letsinger et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 1989, 86:6553), cholic acid (Manoharan et al., Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett., 1994, 4:1053), a thioether, e.g., hexyl-S-tritylthiol (Manoharan et al., Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci., 1992, 660:306; Manoharan et al., Bioorg. Med. Chem. Let., 1993, 3:2765), a thiocholesterol (Oberhauser et al., Nucl. Acids Res., 1992, 20:533), an aliphatic chain, e.g., dodecandiol or undecyl residues (Saison-Behmoaras et al., EMBO J., 1991, 10:111; Kabanov et al., FEBS Lett., 1990, 259:327; Svinarchuk et al., Biochimie, 1993, 75:49), a phospholipid, e.g., di-hexadecyl-rac-glycerol or triethylammonium 1,2-di-O-hexadecyl-rac-glycero-3-H-phosphonate (Manoharan et al., Tetrahedron Lett., 1995, 36:3651; Shea et al., Nucl. Acids Res., 1990, 18:3777), a polyamine or a polyethylene glycol chain (Manoharan et al., Nucleosides & Nucleotides, 1995, 14:969), or adamantane acetic acid (Manoharan et al., Tetrahedron Lett., 1995, 36:3651), a palmityl moiety (Mishra et al., Biochim. Biophys. Acta, 1995, 1264:229), or an octadecylamine or hexylamino-carbonyl-oxycholesterol moiety (Crooke et al., J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther., 1996, 277:923). Representative United States patents that teach the preparation of such RNA conjugates have been listed above. Typical conjugation protocols involve the synthesis of an RNAs bearing an aminolinker at one or more positions of the sequence. The amino group is then reacted with the molecule being conjugated using appropriate coupling or activating reagents. The conjugation reaction can be performed either with the RNA still bound to the solid support or following cleavage of the RNA, in solution phase. Purification of the RNA conjugate by HPLC typically affords the pure conjugate.

IV. Delivery of an iRNA of the Invention

The delivery of an iRNA of the invention to a cell e.g., a cell within a subject, such as a human subject (e.g., a subject in need thereof, such as a subject having a complement component C5-associated disease) can be achieved in a number of different ways. For example, delivery may be performed by contacting a cell with an iRNA of the invention either in vitro or in vivo. In vivo delivery may also be performed directly by administering a composition comprising an iRNA, e.g., a dsRNA, to a subject. Alternatively, in vivo delivery may be performed indirectly by administering one or more vectors that encode and direct the expression of the iRNA. These alternatives are discussed further below.

In general, any method of delivering a nucleic acid molecule (in vitro or in vivo) can be adapted for use with an iRNA of the invention (see e.g., Akhtar S. and Julian R L. (1992) Trends Cell. Biol. 2(5):139-144 and WO94/02595, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties). For in vivo delivery, factors to consider in order to deliver an iRNA molecule include, for example, biological stability of the delivered molecule, prevention of non-specific effects, and accumulation of the delivered molecule in the target tissue. The non-specific effects of an iRNA can be minimized by local administration, for example, by direct injection or implantation into a tissue or topically administering the preparation. Local administration to a treatment site maximizes local concentration of the agent, limits the exposure of the agent to systemic tissues that can otherwise be harmed by the agent or that can degrade the agent, and permits a lower total dose of the iRNA molecule to be administered. Several studies have shown successful knockdown of gene products when an iRNA is administered locally. For example, intraocular delivery of a VEGF dsRNA by intravitreal injection in cynomolgus monkeys (Tolentino, M J., et al (2004) Retina 24:132-138) and subretinal injections in mice (Reich, S J., et al (2003) Mol. Vis. 9:210-216) were both shown to prevent neovascularization in an experimental model of age-related macular degeneration. In addition, direct intratumoral injection of a dsRNA in mice reduces tumor volume (Pille, J., et al (2005) Mol. Ther. 11:267-274) and can prolong survival of tumor-bearing mice (Kim, W J., et al (2006) Mol. Ther. 14:343-350; Li, S., et al (2007) Mol. Ther. 15:515-523). RNA interference has also shown success with local delivery to the CNS by direct injection (Dorn, G., et al. (2004) Nucleic Acids 32:e49; Tan, P H., et al (2005) Gene Ther. 12:59-66; Makimura, H., et al (2002) BMC Neurosci. 3:18; Shishkina, G T., et al (2004) Neuroscience 129:521-528; Thakker, E R., et al (2004) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 101:17270-17275; Akaneya, Y., et al (2005) J. Neurophysiol. 93:594-602) and to the lungs by intranasal administration (Howard, K A., et al (2006) Mol. Ther. 14:476-484; Zhang, X., et al (2004) J. Biol. Chem. 279:10677-10684; Bitko, V., et al (2005) Nat. Med. 11:50-55). For administering an iRNA systemically for the treatment of a disease, the RNA can be modified or alternatively delivered using a drug delivery system; both methods act to prevent the rapid degradation of the dsRNA by endo- and exo-nucleases in vivo. Modification of the RNA or the pharmaceutical carrier can also permit targeting of the iRNA composition to the target tissue and avoid undesirable off-target effects. iRNA molecules can be modified by chemical conjugation to lipophilic groups such as cholesterol to enhance cellular uptake and prevent degradation. For example, an iRNA directed against ApoB conjugated to a lipophilic cholesterol moiety was injected systemically into mice and resulted in knockdown of apoB mRNA in both the liver and jejunum (Soutschek, J., et al (2004) Nature 432:173-178). Conjugation of an iRNA to an aptamer has been shown to inhibit tumor growth and mediate tumor regression in a mouse model of prostate cancer (McNamara, J O., et al (2006) Nat. Biotechnol. 24:1005-1015). In an alternative embodiment, the iRNA can be delivered using drug delivery systems such as a nanoparticle, a dendrimer, a polymer, liposomes, or a cationic delivery system. Positively charged cationic delivery systems facilitate binding of an iRNA molecule (negatively charged) and also enhance interactions at the negatively charged cell membrane to permit efficient uptake of an iRNA by the cell. Cationic lipids, dendrimers, or polymers can either be bound to an iRNA, or induced to form a vesicle or micelle (see e.g., Kim S H., et al (2008) Journal of Controlled Release 129(2):107-116) that encases an iRNA. The formation of vesicles or micelles further prevents degradation of the iRNA when administered systemically. Methods for making and administering cationic-iRNA complexes are well within the abilities of one skilled in the art (see e.g., Sorensen, D R., et al (2003) J. Mol. Biol 327:761-766; Verma, U N., et al (2003) Clin. Cancer Res. 9:1291-1300; Arnold, A S et al (2007) J. Hypertens. 25:197-205, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety). Some non-limiting examples of drug delivery systems useful for systemic delivery of iRNAs include DOTAP (Sorensen, D R., et al (2003), supra; Verma, U N., et al (2003), supra), Oligofectamine, “solid nucleic acid lipid particles” (Zimmermann, T S., et al (2006) Nature 441:111-114), cardiolipin (Chien, P Y., et al (2005) Cancer Gene Ther. 12:321-328; Pal, A., et al (2005) Int J Oncol. 26:1087-1091), polyethyleneimine (Bonnet M E., et al (2008) Pharm. Res. August 16 Epub ahead of print; Aigner, A. (2006) J. Biomed. Biotechnol. 71659), Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) peptides (Liu, S. (2006) Mol. Pharm. 3:472-487), and polyamidoamines (Tomalia, D A., et al (2007) Biochem. Soc. Trans. 35:61-67; Yoo, H., et al (1999) Pharm. Res. 16:1799-1804). In some embodiments, an iRNA forms a complex with cyclodextrin for systemic administration. Methods for administration and pharmaceutical compositions of iRNAs and cyclodextrins can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 7,427,605, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

A. Vector Encoded iRNAs of the Invention

iRNA targeting the C5 gene can be expressed from transcription units inserted into DNA or RNA vectors (see, e.g., Couture, A, et al., TIG. (1996), 12:5-10; Skillern, A., et al., International PCT Publication No. WO 00/22113, Conrad, International PCT Publication No. WO 00/22114, and Conrad, U.S. Pat. No. 6,054,299). Expression can be transient (on the order of hours to weeks) or sustained (weeks to months or longer), depending upon the specific construct used and the target tissue or cell type. These transgenes can be introduced as a linear construct, a circular plasmid, or a viral vector, which can be an integrating or non-integrating vector. The transgene can also be constructed to permit it to be inherited as an extrachromosomal plasmid (Gassmann, et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA (1995) 92:1292).

The individual strand or strands of an iRNA can be transcribed from a promoter on an expression vector. Where two separate strands are to be expressed to generate, for example, a dsRNA, two separate expression vectors can be co-introduced (e.g., by transfection or infection) into a target cell. Alternatively each individual strand of a dsRNA can be transcribed by promoters both of which are located on the same expression plasmid. In one embodiment, a dsRNA is expressed as inverted repeat polynucleotides joined by a linker polynucleotide sequence such that the dsRNA has a stem and loop structure.

iRNA expression vectors are generally DNA plasmids or viral vectors. Expression vectors compatible with eukaryotic cells, preferably those compatible with vertebrate cells, can be used to produce recombinant constructs for the expression of an iRNA as described herein. Eukaryotic cell expression vectors are well known in the art and are available from a number of commercial sources. Typically, such vectors are provided containing convenient restriction sites for insertion of the desired nucleic acid segment. Delivery of iRNA expressing vectors can be systemic, such as by intravenous or intramuscular administration, by administration to target cells ex-planted from the patient followed by reintroduction into the patient, or by any other means that allows for introduction into a desired target cell.

iRNA expression plasmids can be transfected into target cells as a complex with cationic lipid carriers (e.g., Oligofectamine) or non-cationic lipid-based carriers (e.g., Transit-TKO™). Multiple lipid transfections for iRNA-mediated knockdowns targeting different regions of a target RNA over a period of a week or more are also contemplated by the invention. Successful introduction of vectors into host cells can be monitored using various known methods. For example, transient transfection can be signaled with a reporter, such as a fluorescent marker, such as Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP). Stable transfection of cells ex vivo can be ensured using markers that provide the transfected cell with resistance to specific environmental factors (e.g., antibiotics and drugs), such as hygromycin B resistance.

Viral vector systems which can be utilized with the methods and compositions described herein include, but are not limited to, (a) adenovirus vectors; (b) retrovirus vectors, including but not limited to lentiviral vectors, moloney murine leukemia virus, etc.; (c) adeno-associated virus vectors; (d) herpes simplex virus vectors; (e) SV 40 vectors; (f) polyoma virus vectors; (g) papilloma virus vectors; (h) picornavirus vectors; (i) pox virus vectors such as an orthopox, e.g., vaccinia virus vectors or avipox, e.g. canary pox or fowl pox; and (j) a helper-dependent or gutless adenovirus. Replication-defective viruses can also be advantageous. Different vectors will or will not become incorporated into the cells' genome. The constructs can include viral sequences for transfection, if desired. Alternatively, the construct can be incorporated into vectors capable of episomal replication, e.g. EPV and EBV vectors. Constructs for the recombinant expression of an iRNA will generally require regulatory elements, e.g., promoters, enhancers, etc., to ensure the expression of the iRNA in target cells. Other aspects to consider for vectors and constructs are further described below.

Vectors useful for the delivery of an iRNA will include regulatory elements (promoter, enhancer, etc.) sufficient for expression of the iRNA in the desired target cell or tissue. The regulatory elements can be chosen to provide either constitutive or regulated/inducible expression.

Expression of the iRNA can be precisely regulated, for example, by using an inducible regulatory sequence that is sensitive to certain physiological regulators, e.g., circulating glucose levels, or hormones (Docherty et al., 1994, FASEB J. 8:20-24). Such inducible expression systems, suitable for the control of dsRNA expression in cells or in mammals include, for example, regulation by ecdysone, by estrogen, progesterone, tetracycline, chemical inducers of dimerization, and isopropyl-beta-D1-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG). A person skilled in the art would be able to choose the appropriate regulatory/promoter sequence based on the intended use of the iRNA transgene.

Viral vectors that contain nucleic acid sequences encoding an iRNA can be used. For example, a retroviral vector can be used (see Miller et al., Meth. Enzymol. 217:581-599 (1993)). These retroviral vectors contain the components necessary for the correct packaging of the viral genome and integration into the host cell DNA. The nucleic acid sequences encoding an iRNA are cloned into one or more vectors, which facilitate delivery of the nucleic acid into a patient. More detail about retroviral vectors can be found, for example, in Boesen et al., Biotherapy 6:291-302 (1994), which describes the use of a retroviral vector to deliver the mdrl gene to hematopoietic stem cells in order to make the stem cells more resistant to chemotherapy. Other references illustrating the use of retroviral vectors in gene therapy are: Clowes et al., J. Clin. Invest. 93:644-651 (1994); Kiem et al., Blood 83:1467-1473 (1994); Salmons and Gunzberg, Human Gene Therapy 4:129-141 (1993); and Grossman and Wilson, Curr. Opin. in Genetics and Devel. 3:110-114 (1993). Lentiviral vectors contemplated for use include, for example, the HIV based vectors described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,143,520; 5,665,557; and 5,981,276, which are herein incorporated by reference.

Adenoviruses are also contemplated for use in delivery of iRNAs of the invention. Adenoviruses are especially attractive vehicles, e.g., for delivering genes to respiratory epithelia. Adenoviruses naturally infect respiratory epithelia where they cause a mild disease. Other targets for adenovirus-based delivery systems are liver, the central nervous system, endothelial cells, and muscle. Adenoviruses have the advantage of being capable of infecting non-dividing cells. Kozarsky and Wilson, Current Opinion in Genetics and Development 3:499-503 (1993) present a review of adenovirus-based gene therapy. Bout et al., Human Gene Therapy 5:3-10 (1994) demonstrated the use of adenovirus vectors to transfer genes to the respiratory epithelia of rhesus monkeys. Other instances of the use of adenoviruses in gene therapy can be found in Rosenfeld et al., Science 252:431-434 (1991); Rosenfeld et al., Cell 68:143-155 (1992); Mastrangeli et al., Clin. Invest. 91:225-234 (1993); PCT Publication WO94/12649; and Wang, et al., Gene Therapy 2:775-783 (1995). A suitable AV vector for expressing an iRNA featured in the invention, a method for constructing the recombinant AV vector, and a method for delivering the vector into target cells, are described in Xia H et al. (2002), Nat. Biotech. 20: 1006-1010.

Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors may also be used to delivery an iRNA of the invention (Walsh et al., Proc. Soc. Exp. Biol. Med. 204:289-300 (1993); U.S. Pat. No. 5,436,146). In one embodiment, the iRNA can be expressed as two separate, complementary single-stranded RNA molecules from a recombinant AAV vector having, for example, either the U6 or H1 RNA promoters, or the cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter. Suitable AAV vectors for expressing the dsRNA featured in the invention, methods for constructing the recombinant AV vector, and methods for delivering the vectors into target cells are described in Samulski R et al. (1987), J. Virol. 61: 3096-3101; Fisher K J et al. (1996), J. Virol, 70: 520-532; Samulski R et al. (1989), J. Virol. 63: 3822-3826; U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,252,479; 5,139,941; International Patent Application No. WO 94/13788; and International Patent Application No. WO 93/24641, the entire disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference.

Another viral vector suitable for delivery of an iRNA of the inevtion is a pox virus such as a vaccinia virus, for example an attenuated vaccinia such as Modified Virus Ankara (MVA) or NYVAC, an avipox such as fowl pox or canary pox.

The tropism of viral vectors can be modified by pseudotyping the vectors with envelope proteins or other surface antigens from other viruses, or by substituting different viral capsid proteins, as appropriate. For example, lentiviral vectors can be pseudotyped with surface proteins from vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), rabies, Ebola, Mokola, and the like. AAV vectors can be made to target different cells by engineering the vectors to express different capsid protein serotypes; see, e.g., Rabinowitz J E et al. (2002), J Virol 76:791-801, the entire disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference.

The pharmaceutical preparation of a vector can include the vector in an acceptable diluent, or can include a slow release matrix in which the gene delivery vehicle is imbedded. Alternatively, where the complete gene delivery vector can be produced intact from recombinant cells, e.g., retroviral vectors, the pharmaceutical preparation can include one or more cells which produce the gene delivery system.

V. Pharmaceutical Compositions of the Invention

The present invention also includes pharmaceutical compositions and formulations which include the iRNAs of the invention. In one embodiment, provided herein are pharmaceutical compositions containing an iRNA, as described herein, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

The phrase “pharmaceutically acceptable” is employed herein to refer to those compounds, materials, compositions, and/or dosage forms which are, within the scope of sound medical judgment, suitable for use in contact with the tissues of human subjects and animal subjects without excessive toxicity, irritation, allergic response, or other problem or complication, commensurate with a reasonable benefit/risk ratio.

The phrase “pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier” as used herein means a pharmaceutically-acceptable material, composition or vehicle, such as a liquid or solid filler, diluent, excipient, manufacturing aid (e.g., lubricant, talc magnesium, calcium or zinc stearate, or steric acid), or solvent encapsulating material, involved in carrying or transporting the subject compound from one organ, or portion of the body, to another organ, or portion of the body. Each carrier must be “acceptable” in the sense of being compatible with the other ingredients of the formulation and not injurious to the subject being treated. Some examples of materials which can serve as pharmaceutically-acceptable carriers include: (1) sugars, such as lactose, glucose and sucrose; (2) starches, such as corn starch and potato starch; (3) cellulose, and its derivatives, such as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose and cellulose acetate; (4) powdered tragacanth; (5) malt; (6) gelatin; (7) lubricating agents, such as magnesium state, sodium lauryl sulfate and talc; (8) excipients, such as cocoa butter and suppository waxes; (9) oils, such as peanut oil, cottonseed oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, olive oil, corn oil and soybean oil; (10) glycols, such as propylene glycol; (11) polyols, such as glycerin, sorbitol, mannitol and polyethylene glycol; (12) esters, such as ethyl oleate and ethyl laurate; (13) agar; (14) buffering agents, such as magnesium hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide; (15) alginic acid; (16) pyrogen-free water; (17) isotonic saline; (18) Ringer's solution; (19) ethyl alcohol; (20) pH buffered solutions; (21) polyesters, polycarbonates and/or polyanhydrides; (22) bulking agents, such as polypeptides and amino acids (23) serum component, such as serum albumin, HDL and LDL; and (22) other non-toxic compatible substances employed in pharmaceutical formulations.

The pharmaceutical compositions containing the iRNA are useful for treating a disease or disorder associated with the expression or activity of a C5 gene, e.g. a complement component C5-associated disease. Such pharmaceutical compositions are formulated based on the mode of delivery. One example is compositions that are formulated for systemic administration via parenteral delivery, e.g., by subcutaneous (SC) or intravenous (IV) delivery. Another example is compositions that are formulated for direct delivery into the brain parenchyma, e.g., by infusion into the brain, such as by continuous pump infusion. The pharmaceutical compositions of the invention may be administered in dosages sufficient to inhibit expression of a C5 gene. In general, a suitable dose of an iRNA of the invention will be in the range of about 0.001 to about 200.0 milligrams per kilogram body weight of the recipient per day, generally in the range of about 1 to 50 mg per kilogram body weight per day. For example, the dsRNA can be administered at about 0.01 mg/kg, about 0.05 mg/kg, about 0.5 mg/kg, about 1 mg/kg, about 1.5 mg/kg, about 2 mg/kg, about 3 mg/kg, about 10 mg/kg, about 20 mg/kg, about 30 mg/kg, about 40 mg/kg, or about 50 mg/kg per single dose.

For example, the dsRNA may be administered at a dose of about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, 6, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9, 7, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9, 8, 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.6, 8.7, 8.8, 8.9, 9, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.8, 9.9, or about 10 mg/kg. Values and ranges intermediate to the recited values are also intended to be part of this invention.

In another embodiment, the dsRNA is administered at a dose of about 0.1 to about 50 mg/kg, about 0.25 to about 50 mg/kg, about 0.5 to about 50 mg/kg, about 0.75 to about 50 mg/kg, about 1 to about 50 mg/mg, about 1.5 to about 50 mg/kb, about 2 to about 50 mg/kg, about 2.5 to about 50 mg/kg, about 3 to about 50 mg/kg, about 3.5 to about 50 mg/kg, about 4 to about 50 mg/kg, about 4.5 to about 50 mg/kg, about 5 to about 50 mg/kg, about 7.5 to about 50 mg/kg, about 10 to about 50 mg/kg, about 15 to about 50 mg/kg, about 20 to about 50 mg/kg, about 20 to about 50 mg/kg, about 25 to about 50 mg/kg, about 25 to about 50 mg/kg, about 30 to about 50 mg/kg, about 35 to about 50 mg/kg, about 40 to about 50 mg/kg, about 45 to about 50 mg/kg, about 0.1 to about 45 mg/kg, about 0.25 to about 45 mg/kg, about 0.5 to about 45 mg/kg, about 0.75 to about 45 mg/kg, about 1 to about 45 mg/mg, about 1.5 to about 45 mg/kb, about 2 to about 45 mg/kg, about 2.5 to about 45 mg/kg, about 3 to about 45 mg/kg, about 3.5 to about 45 mg/kg, about 4 to about 45 mg/kg, about 4.5 to about 45 mg/kg, about 5 to about 45 mg/kg, about 7.5 to about 45 mg/kg, about 10 to about 45 mg/kg, about 15 to about 45 mg/kg, about 20 to about 45 mg/kg, about 20 to about 45 mg/kg, about 25 to about 45 mg/kg, about 25 to about 45 mg/kg, about 30 to about 45 mg/kg, about 35 to about 45 mg/kg, about 40 to about 45 mg/kg, about 0.1 to about 40 mg/kg, about 0.25 to about 40 mg/kg, about 0.5 to about 40 mg/kg, about 0.75 to about 40 mg/kg, about 1 to about 40 mg/mg, about 1.5 to about 40 mg/kb, about 2 to about 40 mg/kg, about 2.5 to about 40 mg/kg, about 3 to about 40 mg/kg, about 3.5 to about 40 mg/kg, about 4 to about 40 mg/kg, about 4.5 to about 40 mg/kg, about 5 to about 40 mg/kg, about 7.5 to about 40 mg/kg, about 10 to about 40 mg/kg, about 15 to about 40 mg/kg, about 20 to about 40 mg/kg, about 20 to about 40 mg/kg, about 25 to about 40 mg/kg, about 25 to about 40 mg/kg, about 30 to about 40 mg/kg, about 35 to about 40 mg/kg, about 0.1 to about 30 mg/kg, about 0.25 to about 30 mg/kg, about 0.5 to about 30 mg/kg, about 0.75 to about 30 mg/kg, about 1 to about 30 mg/mg, about 1.5 to about 30 mg/kb, about 2 to about 30 mg/kg, about 2.5 to about 30 mg/kg, about 3 to about 30 mg/kg, about 3.5 to about 30 mg/kg, about 4 to about 30 mg/kg, about 4.5 to about 30 mg/kg, about 5 to about 30 mg/kg, about 7.5 to about 30 mg/kg, about 10 to about 30 mg/kg, about 15 to about 30 mg/kg, about 20 to about 30 mg/kg, about 20 to about 30 mg/kg, about 25 to about 30 mg/kg, about 0.1 to about 20 mg/kg, about 0.25 to about 20 mg/kg, about 0.5 to about 20 mg/kg, about 0.75 to about 20 mg/kg, about 1 to about 20 mg/mg, about 1.5 to about 20 mg/kb, about 2 to about 20 mg/kg, about 2.5 to about 20 mg/kg, about 3 to about 20 mg/kg, about 3.5 to about 20 mg/kg, about 4 to about 20 mg/kg, about 4.5 to about 20 mg/kg, about 5 to about 20 mg/kg, about 7.5 to about 20 mg/kg, about 10 to about 20 mg/kg, or about 15 to about 20 mg/kg. Values and ranges intermediate to the recited values are also intended to be part of this invention.

For example, the dsRNA may be administered at a dose of about 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, 6, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9, 7, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9, 8, 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.6, 8.7, 8.8, 8.9, 9, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.8, 9.9, or about 10 mg/kg. Values and ranges intermediate to the recited values are also intended to be part of this invention.

In another embodiment, the dsRNA is administered at a dose of about 0.5 to about 50 mg/kg, about 0.75 to about 50 mg/kg, about 1 to about 50 mg/mg, about 1.5 to about 50 mg/kb, about 2 to about 50 mg/kg, about 2.5 to about 50 mg/kg, about 3 to about 50 mg/kg, about 3.5 to about 50 mg/kg, about 4 to about 50 mg/kg, about 4.5 to about 50 mg/kg, about 5 to about 50 mg/kg, about 7.5 to about 50 mg/kg, about 10 to about 50 mg/kg, about 15 to about 50 mg/kg, about 20 to about 50 mg/kg, about 20 to about 50 mg/kg, about 25 to about 50 mg/kg, about 25 to about 50 mg/kg, about 30 to about 50 mg/kg, about 35 to about 50 mg/kg, about 40 to about 50 mg/kg, about 45 to about 50 mg/kg, about 0.5 to about 45 mg/kg, about 0.75 to about 45 mg/kg, about 1 to about 45 mg/mg, about 1.5 to about 45 mg/kb, about 2 to about 45 mg/kg, about 2.5 to about 45 mg/kg, about 3 to about 45 mg/kg, about 3.5 to about 45 mg/kg, about 4 to about 45 mg/kg, about 4.5 to about 45 mg/kg, about 5 to about 45 mg/kg, about 7.5 to about 45 mg/kg, about 10 to about 45 mg/kg, about 15 to about 45 mg/kg, about 20 to about 45 mg/kg, about 20 to about 45 mg/kg, about 25 to about 45 mg/kg, about 25 to about 45 mg/kg, about 30 to about 45 mg/kg, about 35 to about 45 mg/kg, about 40 to about 45 mg/kg, about 0.5 to about 40 mg/kg, about 0.75 to about 40 mg/kg, about 1 to about 40 mg/mg, about 1.5 to about 40 mg/kb, about 2 to about 40 mg/kg, about 2.5 to about 40 mg/kg, about 3 to about 40 mg/kg, about 3.5 to about 40 mg/kg, about 4 to about 40 mg/kg, about 4.5 to about 40 mg/kg, about 5 to about 40 mg/kg, about 7.5 to about 40 mg/kg, about 10 to about 40 mg/kg, about 15 to about 40 mg/kg, about 20 to about 40 mg/kg, about 20 to about 40 mg/kg, about 25 to about 40 mg/kg, about 25 to about 40 mg/kg, about 30 to about 40 mg/kg, about 35 to about 40 mg/kg, about 0.5 to about 30 mg/kg, about 0.75 to about 30 mg/kg, about 1 to about 30 mg/mg, about 1.5 to about 30 mg/kb, about 2 to about 30 mg/kg, about 2.5 to about 30 mg/kg, about 3 to about 30 mg/kg, about 3.5 to about 30 mg/kg, about 4 to about 30 mg/kg, about 4.5 to about 30 mg/kg, about 5 to about 30 mg/kg, about 7.5 to about 30 mg/kg, about 10 to about 30 mg/kg, about 15 to about 30 mg/kg, about 20 to about 30 mg/kg, about 20 to about 30 mg/kg, about 25 to about 30 mg/kg, about 0.5 to about 20 mg/kg, about 0.75 to about 20 mg/kg, about 1 to about 20 mg/mg, about 1.5 to about 20 mg/kb, about 2 to about 20 mg/kg, about 2.5 to about 20 mg/kg, about 3 to about 20 mg/kg, about 3.5 to about 20 mg/kg, about 4 to about 20 mg/kg, about 4.5 to about 20 mg/kg, about 5 to about 20 mg/kg, about 7.5 to about 20 mg/kg, about 10 to about 20 mg/kg, or about 15 to about 20 mg/kg. In one embodiment, the dsRNA is administered at a dose of about 10 mg/kg to about 30 mg/kg. Values and ranges intermediate to the recited values are also intended to be part of this invention.

For example, subjects can be administered, e.g., subcutaneously or intravenously, a single therapeutic amount of iRNA, such as about 0.1, 0.125, 0.15, 0.175, 0.2, 0.225, 0.25, 0.275, 0.3, 0.325, 0.35, 0.375, 0.4, 0.425, 0.45, 0.475, 0.5, 0.525, 0.55, 0.575, 0.6, 0.625, 0.65, 0.675, 0.7, 0.725, 0.75, 0.775, 0.8, 0.825, 0.85, 0.875, 0.9, 0.925, 0.95, 0.975, 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, 6, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9, 7, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9, 8, 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.6, 8.7, 8.8, 8.9, 9, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.8, 9.9, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 12.5, 13, 13.5, 14, 14.5, 15, 15.5, 16, 16.5, 17, 17.5, 18, 18.5, 19, 19.5, 20, 20.5, 21, 21.5, 22, 22.5, 23, 23.5, 24, 24.5, 25, 25.5, 26, 26.5, 27, 27.5, 28, 28.5, 29, 29.5, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, or about 50 mg/kg. Values and ranges intermediate to the recited values are also intended to be part of this invention.

In some embodiments, subjects are administered, e.g., subcutaneously or intravenously, multiple doses of a therapeutic amount of iRNA, such as a dose about 0.1, 0.125, 0.15, 0.175, 0.2, 0.225, 0.25, 0.275, 0.3, 0.325, 0.35, 0.375, 0.4, 0.425, 0.45, 0.475, 0.5, 0.525, 0.55, 0.575, 0.6, 0.625, 0.65, 0.675, 0.7, 0.725, 0.75, 0.775, 0.8, 0.825, 0.85, 0.875, 0.9, 0.925, 0.95, 0.975, 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, 6, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9, 7, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9, 8, 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.6, 8.7, 8.8, 8.9, 9, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.8, 9.9, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 12.5, 13, 13.5, 14, 14.5, 15, 15.5, 16, 16.5, 17, 17.5, 18, 18.5, 19, 19.5, 20, 20.5, 21, 21.5, 22, 22.5, 23, 23.5, 24, 24.5, 25, 25.5, 26, 26.5, 27, 27.5, 28, 28.5, 29, 29.5, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, or about 50 mg/kg. A multi-dose regimine may include administration of a therapeutic amount of iRNA daily, such as for two days, three days, four days, five days, six days, seven days, or longer.

In other embodiments, subjects are administered, e.g., subcutaneously or intravenously, a repeat dose of a therapeutic amount of iRNA, such as a dose about 0.1, 0.125, 0.15, 0.175, 0.2, 0.225, 0.25, 0.275, 0.3, 0.325, 0.35, 0.375, 0.4, 0.425, 0.45, 0.475, 0.5, 0.525, 0.55, 0.575, 0.6, 0.625, 0.65, 0.675, 0.7, 0.725, 0.75, 0.775, 0.8, 0.825, 0.85, 0.875, 0.9, 0.925, 0.95, 0.975, 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, 6, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9, 7, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9, 8, 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.6, 8.7, 8.8, 8.9, 9, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.8, 9.9, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 12.5, 13, 13.5, 14, 14.5, 15, 15.5, 16, 16.5, 17, 17.5, 18, 18.5, 19, 19.5, 20, 20.5, 21, 21.5, 22, 22.5, 23, 23.5, 24, 24.5, 25, 25.5, 26, 26.5, 27, 27.5, 28, 28.5, 29, 29.5, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, or about 50 mg/kg. A repeat-dose regimine may include administration of a therapeutic amount of iRNA on a regular basis, such as every other day, every third day, every fourth day, twice a week, once a week, every other week, or once a month.

The pharmaceutical composition can be administered by intravenous infusion over a period of time, such as over a 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, and 21, 22, 23, 24, or about a 25 minute period. The administration may be repeated, for example, on a regular basis, such as weekly, biweekly (i.e., every two weeks) for one month, two months, three months, four months or longer. After an initial treatment regimen, the treatments can be administered on a less frequent basis. For example, after administration weekly or biweekly for three months, administration can be repeated once per month, for six months or a year or longer.

The pharmaceutical composition can be administered once daily, or the iRNA can be administered as two, three, or more sub-doses at appropriate intervals throughout the day or even using continuous infusion or delivery through a controlled release formulation. In that case, the iRNA contained in each sub-dose must be correspondingly smaller in order to achieve the total daily dosage. The dosage unit can also be compounded for delivery over several days, e.g., using a conventional sustained release formulation which provides sustained release of the iRNA over a several day period. Sustained release formulations are well known in the art and are particularly useful for delivery of agents at a particular site, such as could be used with the agents of the present invention. In this embodiment, the dosage unit contains a corresponding multiple of the daily dose.

In other embodiments, a single dose of the pharmaceutical compositions can be long lasting, such that subsequent doses are administered at not more than 3, 4, or 5 day intervals, or at not more than 1, 2, 3, or 4 week intervals. In some embodiments of the invention, a single dose of the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention is administered once per week. In other embodiments of the invention, a single dose of the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention is administered bi-monthly.

The skilled artisan will appreciate that certain factors can influence the dosage and timing required to effectively treat a subject, including but not limited to the severity of the disease or disorder, previous treatments, the general health and/or age of the subject, and other diseases present. Moreover, treatment of a subject with a therapeutically effective amount of a composition can include a single treatment or a series of treatments. Estimates of effective dosages and in vivo half-lives for the individual iRNAs encompassed by the invention can be made using conventional methodologies or on the basis of in vivo testing using an appropriate animal model, as described elsewhere herein.

Advances in mouse genetics have generated a number of mouse models for the study of various human diseases, such as a disorder that would benefit from reduction in the expression of C5. Such models can be used for in vivo testing of iRNA, as well as for determining a therapeutically effective dose. Suitable mouse models are known in the art and include, for example, collagen-induced arthritis mouse model (Courtenay, J. S., et al. (1980) Nature 283, 666-668), myocardial ischemia (Homeister J W and Lucchesi B R (1994) Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol 34:17-40), ovalbumin induced asthma mouse models (e.g., Tomkinson A., et al. (2001). J. Immunol. 166, 5792-5800), (NZB×NZW)F1, MRL/Fas^(lpr) (MRL/lpr) and BXSB mouse models (Theofilopoulos, A. N. and Kono, D. H. 1999. Murine lupus models: gene-specific and genome-wide studies. In Lahita R. G., ed., Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, 3rd edn, p. 145. Academic Press, San Diego, CA), mouse aHUS model (Goicoechea de Jorge et al. (2011) The development of atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome depeds on complement C5, J Am Soc Nephrol 22:137-145.

The pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention can be administered in a number of ways depending upon whether local or systemic treatment is desired and upon the area to be treated. Administration can be topical (e.g., by a transdermal patch), pulmonary, e.g., by inhalation or insufflation of powders or aerosols, including by nebulizer; intratracheal, intranasal, epidermal and transdermal, oral or parenteral. Parenteral administration includes intravenous, intraarterial, subcutaneous, intraperitoneal or intramuscular injection or infusion; subdermal, e.g., via an implanted device; or intracranial, e.g., by intraparenchymal, intrathecal or intraventricular, administration.

The iRNA can be delivered in a manner to target a particular tissue, such as the liver (e.g., the hepatocytes of the liver).

Pharmaceutical compositions and formulations for topical administration can include transdermal patches, ointments, lotions, creams, gels, drops, suppositories, sprays, liquids and powders. Conventional pharmaceutical carriers, aqueous, powder or oily bases, thickeners and the like can be necessary or desirable. Coated condoms, gloves and the like can also be useful. Suitable topical formulations include those in which the iRNAs featured in the invention are in admixture with a topical delivery agent such as lipids, liposomes, fatty acids, fatty acid esters, steroids, chelating agents and surfactants. Suitable lipids and liposomes include neutral (e.g., dioleoylphosphatidyl DOPE ethanolamine, dimyristoylphosphatidyl choline DMPC, distearolyphosphatidyl choline) negative (e.g., dimyristoylphosphatidyl glycerol DMPG) and cationic (e.g., dioleoyltetramethylaminopropyl DOTAP and dioleoylphosphatidyl ethanolamine DOTMA). iRNAs featured in the invention can be encapsulated within liposomes or can form complexes thereto, in particular to cationic liposomes. Alternatively, iRNAs can be complexed to lipids, in particular to cationic lipids. Suitable fatty acids and esters include but are not limited to arachidonic acid, oleic acid, eicosanoic acid, lauric acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, dicaprate, tricaprate, monoolein, dilaurin, glyceryl 1-monocaprate, 1-dodecylazacycloheptan-2-one, an acylcarnitine, an acylcholine, or a C₁₋₂₀ alkyl ester (e.g., isopropylmyristate IPM), monoglyceride, diglyceride or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof). Topical formulations are described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,747,014, which is incorporated herein by reference.

A. iRNA Formulations Comprising Membranous Molecular Assemblies

An iRNA for use in the compositions and methods of the invention can be formulated for delivery in a membranous molecular assembly, e.g., a liposome or a micelle. As used herein, the term “liposome” refers to a vesicle composed of amphiphilic lipids arranged in at least one bilayer, e.g., one bilayer or a plurality of bilayers. Liposomes include unilamellar and multilamellar vesicles that have a membrane formed from a lipophilic material and an aqueous interior. The aqueous portion contains the iRNA composition. The lipophilic material isolates the aqueous interior from an aqueous exterior, which typically does not include the iRNA composition, although in some examples, it may. Liposomes are useful for the transfer and delivery of active ingredients to the site of action. Because the liposomal membrane is structurally similar to biological membranes, when liposomes are applied to a tissue, the liposomal bilayer fuses with bilayer of the cellular membranes. As the merging of the liposome and cell progresses, the internal aqueous contents that include the iRNA are delivered into the cell where the iRNA can specifically bind to a target RNA and can mediate RNAi. In some cases the liposomes are also specifically targeted, e.g., to direct the iRNA to particular cell types.

A liposome containing a RNAi agent can be prepared by a variety of methods. In one example, the lipid component of a liposome is dissolved in a detergent so that micelles are formed with the lipid component. For example, the lipid component can be an amphipathic cationic lipid or lipid conjugate. The detergent can have a high critical micelle concentration and may be nonionic. Exemplary detergents include cholate, CHAPS, octylglucoside, deoxycholate, and lauroyl sarcosine. The RNAi agent preparation is then added to the micelles that include the lipid component. The cationic groups on the lipid interact with the RNAi agent and condense around the RNAi agent to form a liposome. After condensation, the detergent is removed, e.g., by dialysis, to yield a liposomal preparation of RNAi agent.

If necessary a carrier compound that assists in condensation can be added during the condensation reaction, e.g., by controlled addition. For example, the carrier compound can be a polymer other than a nucleic acid (e.g., spermine or spermidine). pH can also adjusted to favor condensation.

Methods for producing stable polynucleotide delivery vehicles, which incorporate a polynucleotide/cationic lipid complex as structural components of the delivery vehicle, are further described in, e.g., WO 96/37194, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Liposome formation can also include one or more aspects of exemplary methods described in Felgner, P. L. et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., USA 8:7413-7417, 1987; U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,897,355; 5,171,678; Bangham, et al. M. Mol. Biol. 23:238, 1965; Olson, et al. Biochim. Biophys. Acta 557:9, 1979; Szoka, et al. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 75: 4194, 1978; Mayhew, et al. Biochim. Biophys. Acta 775:169, 1984; Kim, et al. Biochim. Biophys. Acta 728:339, 1983; and Fukunaga, et al. Endocrinol. 115:757, 1984. Commonly used techniques for preparing lipid aggregates of appropriate size for use as delivery vehicles include sonication and freeze-thaw plus extrusion (see, e.g., Mayer, et al. Biochim. Biophys. Acta 858:161, 1986). Microfluidization can be used when consistently small (50 to 200 nm) and relatively uniform aggregates are desired (Mayhew, et al. Biochim. Biophys. Acta 775:169, 1984). These methods are readily adapted to packaging RNAi agent preparations into liposomes.

Liposomes fall into two broad classes. Cationic liposomes are positively charged liposomes which interact with the negatively charged nucleic acid molecules to form a stable complex. The positively charged nucleic acid/liposome complex binds to the negatively charged cell surface and is internalized in an endosome. Due to the acidic pH within the endosome, the liposomes are ruptured, releasing their contents into the cell cytoplasm (Wang et al., Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun., 1987, 147, 980-985).

Liposomes which are pH-sensitive or negatively-charged, entrap nucleic acids rather than complex with it. Since both the nucleic acid and the lipid are similarly charged, repulsion rather than complex formation occurs. Nevertheless, some nucleic acid is entrapped within the aqueous interior of these liposomes. pH-sensitive liposomes have been used to deliver nucleic acids encoding the thymidine kinase gene to cell monolayers in culture. Expression of the exogenous gene was detected in the target cells (Zhou et al., Journal of Controlled Release, 1992, 19, 269-274).

One major type of liposomal composition includes phospholipids other than naturally-derived phosphatidylcholine. Neutral liposome compositions, for example, can be formed from dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine (DMPC) or dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC). Anionic liposome compositions generally are formed from dimyristoyl phosphatidylglycerol, while anionic fusogenic liposomes are formed primarily from dioleoyl phosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE). Another type of liposomal composition is formed from phosphatidylcholine (PC) such as, for example, soybean PC, and egg PC. Another type is formed from mixtures of phospholipid and/or phosphatidylcholine and/or cholesterol.

Examples of other methods to introduce liposomes into cells in vitro and in vivo include U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,283,185; 5,171,678; WO 94/00569; WO 93/24640; WO 91/16024; Felgner, J. Biol. Chem. 269:2550, 1994; Nabel, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 90:11307, 1993; Nabel, Human Gene Ther. 3:649, 1992; Gershon, Biochem. 32:7143, 1993; and Strauss EMBO J. 11:417, 1992.

Non-ionic liposomal systems have also been examined to determine their utility in the delivery of drugs to the skin, in particular systems comprising non-ionic surfactant and cholesterol. Non-ionic liposomal formulations comprising Novasome™ I (glyceryl dilaurate/cholesterol/polyoxyethylene-10-stearyl ether) and Novasome™ II (glyceryl distearate/cholesterol/polyoxyethylene-10-stearyl ether) were used to deliver cyclosporin-A into the dermis of mouse skin. Results indicated that such non-ionic liposomal systems were effective in facilitating the deposition of cyclosporine A into different layers of the skin (Hu et al. S.T.P. Pharma. Sci., 1994, 4(6) 466).

Liposomes also include “sterically stabilized” liposomes, a term which, as used herein, refers to liposomes comprising one or more specialized lipids that, when incorporated into liposomes, result in enhanced circulation lifetimes relative to liposomes lacking such specialized lipids. Examples of sterically stabilized liposomes are those in which part of the vesicle-forming lipid portion of the liposome (A) comprises one or more glycolipids, such as monosialoganglioside Gmi, or (B) is derivatized with one or more hydrophilic polymers, such as a polyethylene glycol (PEG) moiety. While not wishing to be bound by any particular theory, it is thought in the art that, at least for sterically stabilized liposomes containing gangliosides, sphingomyelin, or PEG-derivatized lipids, the enhanced circulation half-life of these sterically stabilized liposomes derives from a reduced uptake into cells of the reticuloendothelial system (RES) (Allen et al., FEBS Letters, 1987, 223, 42; Wu et al., Cancer Research, 1993, 53, 3765).

Various liposomes comprising one or more glycolipids are known in the art. Papahadjopoulos et al. (Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci., 1987, 507, 64) reported the ability of monosialoganglioside G_(M1), galactocerebroside sulfate and phosphatidylinositol to improve blood half-lives of liposomes. These findings were expounded upon by Gabizon et al. (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A., 1988, 85, 6949). U.S. Pat. No. 4,837,028 and WO 88/04924, both to Allen et al., disclose liposomes comprising (1) sphingomyelin and (2) the ganglioside G_(M1) or a galactocerebroside sulfate ester. U.S. Pat. No. 5,543,152 (Webb et al.) discloses liposomes comprising sphingomyelin. Liposomes comprising 1,2-sn-dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine are disclosed in WO 97/13499 (Lim et al).

In one embodiment, cationic liposomes are used. Cationic liposomes possess the advantage of being able to fuse to the cell membrane. Non-cationic liposomes, although not able to fuse as efficiently with the plasma membrane, are taken up by macrophages in vivo and can be used to deliver RNAi agents to macrophages.

Further advantages of liposomes include: liposomes obtained from natural phospholipids are biocompatible and biodegradable; liposomes can incorporate a wide range of water and lipid soluble drugs; liposomes can protect encapsulated RNAi agents in their internal compartments from metabolism and degradation (Rosoff, in “Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms,” Lieberman, Rieger and Banker (Eds.), 1988, volume 1, p. 245). Important considerations in the preparation of liposome formulations are the lipid surface charge, vesicle size and the aqueous volume of the liposomes.

A positively charged synthetic cationic lipid, N-[1-(2,3-dioleyloxy)propyl]-N,N,N-trimethylammonium chloride (DOTMA) can be used to form small liposomes that interact spontaneously with nucleic acid to form lipid-nucleic acid complexes which are capable of fusing with the negatively charged lipids of the cell membranes of tissue culture cells, resulting in delivery of RNAi agent (see, e.g., Felgner, P. L. et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., USA 8:7413-7417, 1987 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,897,355 for a description of DOTMA and its use with DNA).

A DOTMA analogue, 1,2-bis(oleoyloxy)-3-(trimethylammonia)propane (DOTAP) can be used in combination with a phospholipid to form DNA-complexing vesicles. Lipofectin™ Bethesda Research Laboratories, Gaithersburg, Md.) is an effective agent for the delivery of highly anionic nucleic acids into living tissue culture cells that comprise positively charged DOTMA liposomes which interact spontaneously with negatively charged polynucleotides to form complexes. When enough positively charged liposomes are used, the net charge on the resulting complexes is also positive. Positively charged complexes prepared in this way spontaneously attach to negatively charged cell surfaces, fuse with the plasma membrane, and efficiently deliver functional nucleic acids into, for example, tissue culture cells. Another commercially available cationic lipid, 1,2-bis(oleoyloxy)-3,3-(trimethylammonia)propane (“DOTAP”) (Boehringer Mannheim, Indianapolis, Indiana) differs from DOTMA in that the oleoyl moieties are linked by ester, rather than ether linkages.

Other reported cationic lipid compounds include those that have been conjugated to a variety of moieties including, for example, carboxyspermine which has been conjugated to one of two types of lipids and includes compounds such as 5-carboxyspermylglycine dioctaoleoylamide (“DOGS”) (Transfectam™, Promega, Madison, Wisconsin) and dipalmitoylphosphatidylethanolamine 5-carboxyspermyl-amide (“DPPES”) (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,171,678).

Another cationic lipid conjugate includes derivatization of the lipid with cholesterol (“DC-Chol”) which has been formulated into liposomes in combination with DOPE (See, Gao, X. and Huang, L., Biochim. Biophys. Res. Commun. 179:280, 1991). Lipopolylysine, made by conjugating polylysine to DOPE, has been reported to be effective for transfection in the presence of serum (Zhou, X. et al., Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1065:8, 1991). For certain cell lines, these liposomes containing conjugated cationic lipids, are said to exhibit lower toxicity and provide more efficient transfection than the DOTMA-containing compositions. Other commercially available cationic lipid products include DMRIE and DMRIE-HP (Vical, La Jolla, California) and Lipofectamine (DOSPA) (Life Technology, Inc., Gaithersburg, Maryland). Other cationic lipids suitable for the delivery of oligonucleotides are described in WO 98/39359 and WO 96/37194.

Liposomal formulations are particularly suited for topical administration, liposomes present several advantages over other formulations. Such advantages include reduced side effects related to high systemic absorption of the administered drug, increased accumulation of the administered drug at the desired target, and the ability to administer RNAi agent into the skin. In some implementations, liposomes are used for delivering RNAi agent to epidermal cells and also to enhance the penetration of RNAi agent into dermal tissues, e.g., into skin. For example, the liposomes can be applied topically. Topical delivery of drugs formulated as liposomes to the skin has been documented (see, e.g., Weiner et al., Journal of Drug Targeting, 1992, vol. 2,405-410 and du Plessis et al., Antiviral Research, 18, 1992, 259-265; Mannino, R. J. and Fould-Fogerite, S., Biotechniques 6:682-690, 1988; Itani, T. et al. Gene 56:267-276. 1987; Nicolau, C. et al. Meth. Enz. 149:157-176, 1987; Straubinger, R. M. and Papahadjopoulos, D. Meth. Enz. 101:512-527, 1983; Wang, C. Y. and Huang, L., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 84:7851-7855, 1987).

Non-ionic liposomal systems have also been examined to determine their utility in the delivery of drugs to the skin, in particular systems comprising non-ionic surfactant and cholesterol. Non-ionic liposomal formulations comprising Novasome I (glyceryl dilaurate/cholesterol/polyoxyethylene-10-stearyl ether) and Novasome II (glyceryl distearate/cholesterol/polyoxyethylene-10-stearyl ether) were used to deliver a drug into the dermis of mouse skin. Such formulations with RNAi agent are useful for treating a dermatological disorder.

Liposomes that include iRNA can be made highly deformable. Such deformability can enable the liposomes to penetrate through pore that are smaller than the average radius of the liposome. For example, transfersomes are a type of deformable liposomes. Transferosomes can be made by adding surface edge activators, usually surfactants, to a standard liposomal composition. Transfersomes that include RNAi agent can be delivered, for example, subcutaneously by infection in order to deliver RNAi agent to keratinocytes in the skin. In order to cross intact mammalian skin, lipid vesicles must pass through a series of fine pores, each with a diameter less than 50 nm, under the influence of a suitable transdermal gradient. In addition, due to the lipid properties, these transferosomes can be self-optimizing (adaptive to the shape of pores, e.g., in the skin), self-repairing, and can frequently reach their targets without fragmenting, and often self-loading.

Other formulations amenable to the present invention are described in U.S. provisional application Ser. Nos. 61/018,616, filed Jan. 2, 2008; 61/018,611, filed Jan. 2, 2008; 61/039,748, filed Mar. 26, 2008; 61/047,087, filed Apr. 22, 2008 and 61/051,528, filed May 8, 2008. PCT application no PCT/US2007/080331, filed Oct. 3, 2007 also describes formulations that are amenable to the present invention.

Transfersomes are yet another type of liposomes, and are highly deformable lipid aggregates which are attractive candidates for drug delivery vehicles. Transfersomes can be described as lipid droplets which are so highly deformable that they are easily able to penetrate through pores which are smaller than the droplet. Transfersomes are adaptable to the environment in which they are used, e.g., they are self-optimizing (adaptive to the shape of pores in the skin), self-repairing, frequently reach their targets without fragmenting, and often self-loading. To make transfersomes it is possible to add surface edge-activators, usually surfactants, to a standard liposomal composition. Transfersomes have been used to deliver serum albumin to the skin. The transfersome-mediated delivery of serum albumin has been shown to be as effective as subcutaneous injection of a solution containing serum albumin.

Surfactants find wide application in formulations such as emulsions (including microemulsions) and liposomes. The most common way of classifying and ranking the properties of the many different types of surfactants, both natural and synthetic, is by the use of the hydrophile/lipophile balance (HLB). The nature of the hydrophilic group (also known as the “head”) provides the most useful means for categorizing the different surfactants used in formulations (Rieger, in “Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms”, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., 1988, p. 285).

If the surfactant molecule is not ionized, it is classified as a nonionic surfactant. Nonionic surfactants find wide application in pharmaceutical and cosmetic products and are usable over a wide range of pH values. In general their HLB values range from 2 to about 18 depending on their structure. Nonionic surfactants include nonionic esters such as ethylene glycol esters, propylene glycol esters, glyceryl esters, polyglyceryl esters, sorbitan esters, sucrose esters, and ethoxylated esters. Nonionic alkanolamides and ethers such as fatty alcohol ethoxylates, propoxylated alcohols, and ethoxylated/propoxylated block polymers are also included in this class. The polyoxyethylene surfactants are the most popular members of the nonionic surfactant class.

If the surfactant molecule carries a negative charge when it is dissolved or dispersed in water, the surfactant is classified as anionic. Anionic surfactants include carboxylates such as soaps, acyl lactylates, acyl amides of amino acids, esters of sulfuric acid such as alkyl sulfates and ethoxylated alkyl sulfates, sulfonates such as alkyl benzene sulfonates, acyl isethionates, acyl taurates and sulfosuccinates, and phosphates. The most important members of the anionic surfactant class are the alkyl sulfates and the soaps.

If the surfactant molecule carries a positive charge when it is dissolved or dispersed in water, the surfactant is classified as cationic. Cationic surfactants include quaternary ammonium salts and ethoxylated amines. The quaternary ammonium salts are the most used members of this class.

If the surfactant molecule has the ability to carry either a positive or negative charge, the surfactant is classified as amphoteric. Amphoteric surfactants include acrylic acid derivatives, substituted alkylamides, N-alkylbetaines and phosphatides.

The use of surfactants in drug products, formulations and in emulsions has been reviewed (Rieger, in “Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms”, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., 1988, p. 285).

The iRNA for use in the methods of the invention can also be provided as micellar formulations. “Micelles” are defined herein as a particular type of molecular assembly in which amphipathic molecules are arranged in a spherical structure such that all the hydrophobic portions of the molecules are directed inward, leaving the hydrophilic portions in contact with the surrounding aqueous phase. The converse arrangement exists if the environment is hydrophobic.

A mixed micellar formulation suitable for delivery through transdermal membranes may be prepared by mixing an aqueous solution of the siRNA composition, an alkali metal C8 to C22 alkyl sulphate, and a micelle forming compounds. Exemplary micelle forming compounds include lecithin, hyaluronic acid, pharmaceutically acceptable salts of hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, chamomile extract, cucumber extract, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, monoolein, monooleates, monolaurates, borage oil, evening of primrose oil, menthol, trihydroxy oxo cholanyl glycine and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, glycerin, polyglycerin, lysine, polylysine, triolein, polyoxyethylene ethers and analogues thereof, polidocanol alkyl ethers and analogues thereof, chenodeoxycholate, deoxycholate, and mixtures thereof. The micelle forming compounds may be added at the same time or after addition of the alkali metal alkyl sulphate. Mixed micelles will form with substantially any kind of mixing of the ingredients but vigorous mixing in order to provide smaller size micelles.

In one method a first micellar composition is prepared which contains the siRNA composition and at least the alkali metal alkyl sulphate. The first micellar composition is then mixed with at least three micelle forming compounds to form a mixed micellar composition. In another method, the micellar composition is prepared by mixing the siRNA composition, the alkali metal alkyl sulphate and at least one of the micelle forming compounds, followed by addition of the remaining micelle forming compounds, with vigorous mixing.

Phenol and/or m-cresol may be added to the mixed micellar composition to stabilize the formulation and protect against bacterial growth. Alternatively, phenol and/or m-cresol may be added with the micelle forming ingredients. An isotonic agent such as glycerin may also be added after formation of the mixed micellar composition.

For delivery of the micellar formulation as a spray, the formulation can be put into an aerosol dispenser and the dispenser is charged with a propellant. The propellant, which is under pressure, is in liquid form in the dispenser. The ratios of the ingredients are adjusted so that the aqueous and propellant phases become one, i.e., there is one phase. If there are two phases, it is necessary to shake the dispenser prior to dispensing a portion of the contents, e.g., through a metered valve. The dispensed dose of pharmaceutical agent is propelled from the metered valve in a fine spray.

Propellants may include hydrogen-containing chlorofluorocarbons, hydrogen-containing fluorocarbons, dimethyl ether and diethyl ether. In certain embodiments, HFA 134a (1,1,1,2 tetrafluoroethane) may be used.

The specific concentrations of the essential ingredients can be determined by relatively straightforward experimentation. For absorption through the oral cavities, it is often desirable to increase, e.g., at least double or triple, the dosage for through injection or administration through the gastrointestinal tract.

B. Lipid Particles

iRNAs, e.g., dsRNAs of in the invention may be fully encapsulated in a lipid formulation, e.g., a LNP, or other nucleic acid-lipid particle.

As used herein, the term “LNP” refers to a stable nucleic acid-lipid particle. LNPs typically contain a cationic lipid, a non-cationic lipid, and a lipid that prevents aggregation of the particle (e.g., a PEG-lipid conjugate). LNPs are extremely useful for systemic applications, as they exhibit extended circulation lifetimes following intravenous (i.v.) injection and accumulate at distal sites (e.g., sites physically separated from the administration site). LNPs include “pSPLP,” which include an encapsulated condensing agent-nucleic acid complex as set forth in PCT Publication No. WO 00/03683. The particles of the present invention typically have a mean diameter of about 50 nm to about 150 nm, more typically about 60 nm to about 130 nm, more typically about 70 nm to about 110 nm, most typically about 70 nm to about 90 nm, and are substantially nontoxic. In addition, the nucleic acids when present in the nucleic acid-lipid particles of the present invention are resistant in aqueous solution to degradation with a nuclease. Nucleic acid-lipid particles and their method of preparation are disclosed in, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,976,567; 5,981,501; 6,534,484; 6,586,410; 6,815,432; U.S. Publication No. 2010/0324120 and PCT Publication No. WO 96/40964.

In one embodiment, the lipid to drug ratio (mass/mass ratio) (e.g., lipid to dsRNA ratio) will be in the range of from about 1:1 to about 50:1, from about 1:1 to about 25:1, from about 3:1 to about 15:1, from about 4:1 to about 10:1, from about 5:1 to about 9:1, or about 6:1 to about 9:1. Ranges intermediate to the above recited ranges are also contemplated to be part of the invention.

The cationic lipid can be, for example, N,N-dioleyl-N,N-dimethylammonium chloride (DODAC), N,N-distearyl-N,N-dimethylammonium bromide (DDAB), N-(I-(2,3-dioleoyloxy)propyl)-N,N,N-trimethylammonium chloride (DOTAP), N-(I-(2,3-dioleyloxy)propyl)-N,N,N-trimethylammonium chloride (DOTMA), N,N-dimethyl-2,3-dioleyloxy)propylamine (DODMA), 1,2-DiLinoleyloxy-N,N-dimethylaminopropane (DLinDMA), 1,2-Dilinolenyloxy-N,N-dimethylaminopropane (DLenDMA), 1,2-Dilinoleylcarbamoyloxy-3-dimethylaminopropane (DLin-C-DAP), 1,2-Dilinoleyoxy-3-(dimethylamino)acetoxypropane (DLin-DAC), 1,2-Dilinoleyoxy-3-morpholinopropane (DLin-MA), 1,2-Dilinoleoyl-3-dimethylaminopropane (DLinDAP), 1,2-Dilinoleylthio-3-dimethylaminopropane (DLin-S-DMA), 1-Linoleoyl-2-linoleyloxy-3-dimethylaminopropane (DLin-2-DMAP), 1,2-Dilinoleyloxy-3-trimethylaminopropane chloride salt (DLin-TMA·Cl), 1,2-Dilinoleoyl-3-trimethylaminopropane chloride salt (DLin-TAP·Cl), 1,2-Dilinoleyloxy-3-(N-methylpiperazino)propane (DLin-MPZ), or 3-(N,N-Dilinoleylamino)-1,2-propanediol (DLinAP), 3-(N,N-Dioleylamino)-1,2-propanedio (DOAP), 1,2-Dilinoleyloxo-3-(2-N,N-dimethylamino)ethoxypropane (DLin-EG-DMA), 1,2-Dilinolenyloxy-N,N-dimethylaminopropane (DLinDMA), 2,2-Dilinoleyl-4-dimethylaminomethyl-[1,3]-dioxolane (DLin-K-DMA) or analogs thereof, (3aR,5s,6aS)-N,N-dimethyl-2,2-di((9Z,12Z)-octadeca-9,12-dienyl)tetrahydro-3aH-cyclopenta[d][1,3]dioxol-5-amine (ALN100), (6Z,9Z,28Z,31Z)-heptatriaconta-6,9,28,31-tetraen-19-yl 4-(dimethylamino)butanoate (MC3), 1,1′-(2-(4-(2-((2-(bis(2-hydroxydodecyl)amino)ethyl)(2-hydroxydodecyl)amino)ethyl)piperazin-1-yl)ethylazanediyl)didodecan-2-ol (Tech G1), or a mixture thereof. The cationic lipid can comprise from about 20 mol % to about 50 mol % or about 40 mol % of the total lipid present in the particle.

In another embodiment, the compound 2,2-Dilinoleyl-4-dimethylaminoethyl-[1,3]-dioxolane can be used to prepare lipid-siRNA nanoparticles. Synthesis of 2,2-Dilinoleyl-4-dimethylaminoethyl-[1,3]-dioxolane is described in U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/107,998 filed on Oct. 23, 2008, which is herein incorporated by reference.

In one embodiment, the lipid-siRNA particle includes 40% 2,2-Dilinoleyl-4-dimethylaminoethyl-[1,3]-dioxolane: 10% DSPC: 40% Cholesterol: 10% PEG-C-DOMG (mole percent) with a particle size of 63.0±20 nm and a 0.027 siRNA/Lipid Ratio.

The ionizable/non-cationic lipid can be an anionic lipid or a neutral lipid including, but not limited to, di stearoylphosphatidylcholine (DSPC), dioleoylphosphatidylcholine (DOPC), dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC), dioleoylphosphatidylglycerol (DOPG), dipalmitoylphosphatidylglycerol (DPPG), dioleoyl-phosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE), palmitoyloleoylphosphatidylcholine (POPC), palmitoyloleoylphosphatidylethanolamine (POPE), dioleoyl-phosphatidylethanolamine 4-(N-maleimidomethyl)-cyclohexane-1-carboxylate (DOPE-mal), dipalmitoyl phosphatidyl ethanolamine (DPPE), dimyristoylphosphoethanolamine (DMPE), distearoyl-phosphatidyl-ethanolamine (DSPE), 16-O-monomethyl PE, 16-O-dimethyl PE, 18-1-trans PE, 1-stearoyl-2-oleoyl-phosphatidyethanolamine (SOPE), cholesterol, or a mixture thereof. The non-cationic lipid can be from about 5 mol % to about 90 mol %, about 10 mol %, or about 58 mol % if cholesterol is included, of the total lipid present in the particle.

The conjugated lipid that inhibits aggregation of particles can be, for example, a polyethyleneglycol (PEG)-lipid including, without limitation, a PEG-diacylglycerol (DAG), a PEG-dialkyloxypropyl (DAA), a PEG-phospholipid, a PEG-ceramide (Cer), or a mixture thereof. The PEG-DAA conjugate can be, for example, a PEG-dilauryloxypropyl (Ci₂), a PEG-dimyristyloxypropyl (Ci₄), a PEG-dipalmityloxypropyl (Ci₆), or a PEG-distearyloxypropyl (Ci₈). The conjugated lipid that prevents aggregation of particles can be from 0 mol % to about 20 mol % or about 2 mol % of the total lipid present in the particle.

In some embodiments, the nucleic acid-lipid particle further includes cholesterol at, e.g., about 10 mol % to about 60 mol % or about 48 mol % of the total lipid present in the particle.

In one embodiment, the lipidoid ND98·4HCl (MW 1487) (see U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/056,230, filed Mar. 26, 2008, which is incorporated herein by reference), Cholesterol (Sigma-Aldrich), and PEG-Ceramide C16 (Avanti Polar Lipids) can be used to prepare lipid-dsRNA nanoparticles (i.e., LNP01 particles). Stock solutions of each in ethanol can be prepared as follows: ND98, 133 mg/ml; Cholesterol, 25 mg/ml, PEG-Ceramide C16, 100 mg/ml. The ND98, Cholesterol, and PEG-Ceramide C16 stock solutions can then be combined in a, e.g., 42:48:10 molar ratio. The combined lipid solution can be mixed with aqueous dsRNA (e.g., in sodium acetate pH 5) such that the final ethanol concentration is about 35-45% and the final sodium acetate concentration is about 100-300 mM. Lipid-dsRNA nanoparticles typically form spontaneously upon mixing. Depending on the desired particle size distribution, the resultant nanoparticle mixture can be extruded through a polycarbonate membrane (e.g., 100 nm cut-off) using, for example, a thermobarrel extruder, such as Lipex Extruder (Northern Lipids, Inc). In some cases, the extrusion step can be omitted. Ethanol removal and simultaneous buffer exchange can be accomplished by, for example, dialysis or tangential flow filtration. Buffer can be exchanged with, for example, phosphate buffered saline (PBS) at about pH 7, e.g., about pH 6.9, about pH 7.0, about pH 7.1, about pH 7.2, about pH 7.3, or about pH 7.4.

LNP01 formulations are described, e.g., in International Application Publication No. WO 2008/042973, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Additional exemplary lipid-dsRNA formulations are described in Table 1.

TABLE 1 cationic lipid/non-cationic lipid/cholesterol/PEG-lipid conjugate Ionizable/Cationic Lipid Lipid:siRNA ratio SNALP-1 1,2-Dilinolenyloxy-N,N-dimethylaminopropane DLinDMA/DPPC/Cholesterol/PEG-cDMA (DLinDMA) (57.1/7.1/34.4/1.4) lipid:siRNA ~7:1 2-XTC 2,2-Dilinoleyl-4-dimethylaminoethyl-[1,3]- XTC/DPPC/Cholesterol/PEG-cDMA dioxolane (XTC) 57.1/7.1/34.4/1.4 lipid:siRNA ~7:1 LNP05 2,2-Dilinoleyl-4-dimethylaminoethyl-[1,3]- XTC/DSPC/Cholesterol/PEG-DMG dioxolane (XTC) 57.5/7.5/31.5/3.5 lipid:siRNA ~6:1 LNP06 2,2-Dilinoleyl-4-dimethylaminoethyl-[1,3]- XTC/DSPC/Cholesterol/PEG-DMG dioxolane (XTC) 57.5/7.5/31.5/3.5 lipid:siRNA ~11:1 LNP07 2,2-Dilinoleyl-4-dimethylaminoethyl-[1,3]- XTC/DSPC/Cholesterol/PEG-DMG dioxolane (XTC) 60/7.5/31/1.5, lipid:siRNA ~6:1 LNP08 2,2-Dilinoleyl-4-dimethylaminoethyl-[1,3]- XTC/DSPC/Cholesterol/PEG-DMG dioxolane (XTC) 60/7.5/31/1.5, lipid:siRNA ~11:1 LNP09 2,2-Dilinoleyl-4-dimethylaminoethyl-[1,3]- XTC/DSPC/Cholesterol/PEG-DMG dioxolane (XTC) 50/10/38.5/1.5 Lipid:siRNA 10:1 LNP10 (3aR,5s,6aS)-N,N-dimethyl-2,2-di((9Z,12Z)- ALN100/DSPC/Cholesterol/PEG-DMG octadeca-9,12-dienyl)tetrahydro-3aH- 50/10/38.5/1.5 cyclopenta[d][1,3]dioxol-5-amine (ALN100) Lipid:siRNA 10:1 LNP11 (6Z,9Z,28Z,31Z)-heptatriaconta-6,9,28,31- MC-3/DSPC/Cholesterol/PEG-DMG tetraen-19-yl 4-(dimethylamino)butanoate 50/10/38.5/1.5 (MC3) Lipid:siRNA 10:1 LNP12 1,1′-(2-(4-(2-((2-(bis(2- Tech G1/DSPC/Cholesterol/PEG-DMG hydroxydodecyl)amino)ethyl)(2- 50/10/38.5/1.5 hydroxydodecyl)amino)ethyl)piperazin-1- Lipid:siRNA 10:1 yl)ethylazanediyl)didodecan-2-ol (Tech G1) LNP13 XTC XTC/DSPC/Chol/PEG-DMG 50/10/38.5/1.5 Lipid:siRNA: 33:1 LNP14 MC3 MC3/DSPC/Chol/PEG-DMG 40/15/40/5 Lipid:siRNA: 11:1 LNP15 MC3 MC3/DSPC/Chol/PEG-DSG/GalNAc-PEG-DSG 50/10/35/4.5/0.5 Lipid:siRNA: 11:1 LNP16 MC3 MC3/DSPC/Chol/PEG-DMG 50/10/38.5/1.5 Lipid:siRNA: 7:1 LNP17 MC3 MC3/DSPC/Chol/PEG-DSG 50/10/38.5/1.5 Lipid:siRNA: 10:1 LNP18 MC3 MC3/DSPC/Chol/PEG-DMG 50/10/38.5/1.5 Lipid:siRNA: 12:1 LNP19 MC3 MC3/DSPC/Chol/PEG-DMG 50/10/35/5 Lipid:siRNA: 8:1 LNP20 MC3 MC3/DSPC/Chol/PEG-DPG 50/10/38.5/1.5 Lipid:siRNA: 10:1 LNP21 C12-200 C12-200/DSPC/Chol/PEG-DSG 50/10/38.5/1.5 Lipid:siRNA: 7:1 LNP22 XTC XTC/DSPC/Chol/PEG-DSG 50/10/38.5/1.5 Lipid:siRNA: 10:1

-   -   DSPC: distearoylphosphatidylcholine     -   DPPC: dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine     -   PEG-DMG: PEG-didimyristoyl glycerol (C14-PEG, or PEG-C14) (PEG         with avg mol wt of 2000)     -   PEG-DSG: PEG-distyryl glycerol (C18-PEG, or PEG-C18) (PEG with         avg mol wt of 2000)     -   PEG-cDMA: PEG-carbamoyl-1,2-dimyristyloxypropylamine (PEG with         avg mol wt of 2000)     -   SNALP (1,2-Dilinolenyloxy-N,N-dimethylaminopropane (DLinDMA))         comprising formulations are described in International         Publication No. WO2009/127060, filed Apr. 15, 2009, which is         hereby incorporated by reference.

XTC comprising formulations are described, e.g., in U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 61/148,366, filed Jan. 29, 2009; U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 61/156,851, filed Mar. 2, 2009; U.S. Provisional Ser. No. filed Jun. 10, 2009; U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 61/228,373, filed Jul. 24, 2009; U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 61/239,686, filed Sep. 3, 2009, and International Application No. PCT/US2010/022614, filed Jan. 29, 2010, which are hereby incorporated by reference.

MC3 comprising formulations are described, e.g., in U.S. Publication No. 2010/0324120, filed Jun. 10, 2010, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

ALNY-100 comprising formulations are described, e.g., International patent application number PCT/US09/63933, filed on Nov. 10, 2009, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

C12-200 comprising formulations are described in U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 61/175,770, filed May 5, 2009 and International Application No. PCT/US10/33777, filed May 5, 2010, which are hereby incorporated by reference.

Synthesis of Ionizable/Cationic Lipids

Any of the compounds, e.g., cationic lipids and the like, used in the nucleic acid-lipid particles of the invention can be prepared by known organic synthesis techniques, including the methods described in more detail in the Examples. All substituents are as defined below unless indicated otherwise.

“Alkyl” means a straight chain or branched, noncyclic or cyclic, saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon containing from 1 to 24 carbon atoms. Representative saturated straight chain alkyls include methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, n-butyl, n-pentyl, n-hexyl, and the like; while saturated branched alkyls include isopropyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, isopentyl, and the like. Representative saturated cyclic alkyls include cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, and the like; while unsaturated cyclic alkyls include cyclopentenyl and cyclohexenyl, and the like.

“Alkenyl” means an alkyl, as defined above, containing at least one double bond between adjacent carbon atoms. Alkenyls include both cis and trans isomers. Representative straight chain and branched alkenyls include ethylenyl, propylenyl, 1-butenyl, 2-butenyl, isobutylenyl, 1-pentenyl, 2-pentenyl, 3-methyl-1-butenyl, 2-methyl-2-butenyl, 2,3-dimethyl-2-butenyl, and the like.

“Alkynyl” means any alkyl or alkenyl, as defined above, which additionally contains at least one triple bond between adjacent carbons. Representative straight chain and branched alkynyls include acetylenyl, propynyl, 1-butynyl, 2-butynyl, 1-pentynyl, 2-pentynyl, 3-methyl-1 butynyl, and the like.

“Acyl” means any alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl wherein the carbon at the point of attachment is substituted with an oxo group, as defined below. For example, —C(═O)alkyl, —C(═O)alkenyl, and —C(═O)alkynyl are acyl groups.

“Heterocycle” means a 5- to 7-membered monocyclic, or 7- to 10-membered bicyclic, heterocyclic ring which is either saturated, unsaturated, or aromatic, and which contains from 1 or 2 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur, and wherein the nitrogen and sulfur heteroatoms can be optionally oxidized, and the nitrogen heteroatom can be optionally quaternized, including bicyclic rings in which any of the above heterocycles are fused to a benzene ring. The heterocycle can be attached via any heteroatom or carbon atom. Heterocycles include heteroaryls as defined below. Heterocycles include morpholinyl, pyrrolidinonyl, pyrrolidinyl, piperidinyl, piperizynyl, hydantoinyl, valerolactamyl, oxiranyl, oxetanyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydropyranyl, tetrahydropyridinyl, tetrahydroprimidinyl, tetrahydrothiophenyl, tetrahydrothiopyranyl, tetrahydropyrimidinyl, tetrahydrothiophenyl, tetrahydrothiopyranyl, and the like.

The terms “optionally substituted alkyl”, “optionally substituted alkenyl”, “optionally substituted alkynyl”, “optionally substituted acyl”, and “optionally substituted heterocycle” means that, when substituted, at least one hydrogen atom is replaced with a substituent. In the case of an oxo substituent (═O) two hydrogen atoms are replaced. In this regard, substituents include oxo, halogen, heterocycle, —CN, —ORx, —NRxRy, —NRxC(═O)Ry, —NRxSO₂Ry, —C(═O)Rx, —C(═O)ORx, —C(═O)NRxRy, —SOnRx and —SOnNRxRy, wherein n is 0, 1 or 2, Rx and Ry are the same or different and independently hydrogen, alkyl or heterocycle, and each of said alkyl and heterocycle substituents can be further substituted with one or more of oxo, halogen, —OH, —CN, alkyl, —ORx, heterocycle, —NRxRy, —NRxC(═O)Ry, —NRxSO₂Ry, —C(═O)Rx, —C(═O)ORx, —C(═O)NRxRy, —SOnRx and —SOnNRxRy.

“Halogen” means fluoro, chloro, bromo and iodo.

In some embodiments, the methods of the invention can require the use of protecting groups. Protecting group methodology is well known to those skilled in the art (see, for example, Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis, Green, T. W. et al., Wiley-Interscience, New York City, 1999). Briefly, protecting groups within the context of this invention are any group that reduces or eliminates unwanted reactivity of a functional group. A protecting group can be added to a functional group to mask its reactivity during certain reactions and then removed to reveal the original functional group. In some embodiments an “alcohol protecting group” is used. An “alcohol protecting group” is any group which decreases or eliminates unwanted reactivity of an alcohol functional group. Protecting groups can be added and removed using techniques well known in the art.

Synthesis of Formula A

In some embodiments, nucleic acid-lipid particles of the invention are formulated using a cationic lipid of formula A:

where R1 and R2 are independently alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl, each can be optionally substituted, and R3 and R4 are independently lower alkyl or R3 and R4 can be taken together to form an optionally substituted heterocyclic ring. In some embodiments, the cationic lipid is XTC (2,2-Dilinoleyl-4-dimethylaminoethyl-[1,3]-dioxolane). In general, the lipid of formula A above can be made by the following Reaction Schemes 1 or 2, wherein all substituents are as defined above unless indicated otherwise.

Lipid A, where R1 and R2 are independently alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl, each can be optionally substituted, and R3 and R4 are independently lower alkyl or R3 and R4 can be taken together to form an optionally substituted heterocyclic ring, can be prepared according to Scheme 1. Ketone 1 and bromide 2 can be purchased or prepared according to methods known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Reaction of 1 and 2 yields ketal 3. Treatment of ketal 3 with amine 4 yields lipids of formula A. The lipids of formula A can be converted to the corresponding ammonium salt with an organic salt of formula 5, where X is anion counter ion selected from halogen, hydroxide, phosphate, sulfate, or the like.

Alternatively, the ketone 1 starting material can be prepared according to Scheme 2. Grignard reagent 6 and cyanide 7 can be purchased or prepared according to methods known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Reaction of 6 and 7 yields ketone 1. Conversion of ketone 1 to the corresponding lipids of formula A is as described in Scheme 1. Synthesis of MC3

Preparation of DLin-M-C3-DMA (i.e., (6Z,9Z,28Z,31Z)-heptatriaconta-6,9,28,31-tetraen-19-yl 4-(dimethylamino)butanoate) was as follows. A solution of (6Z,9Z,28Z,31Z)-heptatriaconta-6,9,28,31-tetraen-19-ol (0.53 g), 4-N,N-dimethylaminobutyric acid hydrochloride (0.51 g), 4-N,N-dimethylaminopyridine (0.61 g) and 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride (0.53 g) in dichloromethane (5 mL) was stirred at room temperature overnight. The solution was washed with dilute hydrochloric acid followed by dilute aqueous sodium bicarbonate. The organic fractions were dried over anhydrous magnesium sulphate, filtered and the solvent removed on a rotovap. The residue was passed down a silica gel column (20 g) using a 1-5% methanol/dichloromethane elution gradient. Fractions containing the purified product were combined and the solvent removed, yielding a colorless oil (0.54 g). Synthesis of ALNY-100

Synthesis of ketal 519 [ALNY-100] was performed using the following scheme 3:

Synthesis of 515

To a stirred suspension of LiAlH4 (3.74 g, 0.09852 mol) in 200 ml anhydrous THF in a two neck RBF (1 L), was added a solution of 514 (10 g, 0.04926 mol) in 70 mL of THF slowly at 0 0 C under nitrogen atmosphere. After complete addition, reaction mixture was warmed to room temperature and then heated to reflux for 4 h. Progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of reaction (by TLC) the mixture was cooled to 0 0 C and quenched with careful addition of saturated Na2SO4 solution. Reaction mixture was stirred for 4 h at room temperature and filtered off. Residue was washed well with THF. The filtrate and washings were mixed and diluted with 400 mL dioxane and 26 mL conc. HCl and stirred for 20 minutes at room temperature. The volatilities were stripped off under vacuum to furnish the hydrochloride salt of 515 as a white solid. Yield: 7.12 g 1H-NMR (DMSO, 400 MHz): δ=9.34 (broad, 2H), 5.68 (s, 2H), 3.74 (m, 1H), 2.66-2.60 (m, 2H), 2.50-2.45 (m, 5H).

Synthesis of 516

To a stirred solution of compound 515 in 100 mL dry DCM in a 250 mL two neck RBF, was added NEt3 (37.2 mL, 0.2669 mol) and cooled to 0 0 C under nitrogen atmosphere. After a slow addition of N-(benzyloxy-carbonyloxy)-succinimide (20 g, 0.08007 mol) in 50 mL dry DCM, reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature. After completion of the reaction (2-3 h by TLC) mixture was washed successively with 1N HCl solution (1×100 mL) and saturated NaHCO3 solution (1×50 mL). The organic layer was then dried over anhyd. Na2SO4 and the solvent was evaporated to give crude material which was purified by silica gel column chromatography to get 516 as sticky mass. Yield: 11 g (89%). 1H-NMR (CDCl3, 400 MHz): δ=7.36-7.27 (m, 5H), 5.69 (s, 2H), 5.12 (s, 2H), 4.96 (br., 1H) 2.74 (s, 3H), 2.60 (m, 2H), 2.30-2.25 (m, 2H). LC-MS [M+H] −232.3 (96.94%).

Synthesis of 517A and 517B

The cyclopentene 516 (5 g, 0.02164 mol) was dissolved in a solution of 220 mL acetone and water (10:1) in a single neck 500 mL RBF and to it was added N-methyl morpholine-N-oxide (7.6 g, 0.06492 mol) followed by 4.2 mL of 7.6% solution of OsO4 (0.275 g, 0.00108 mol) in tert-butanol at room temperature. After completion of the reaction (˜3 h), the mixture was quenched with addition of solid Na2SO3 and resulting mixture was stirred for 1.5 h at room temperature. Reaction mixture was diluted with DCM (300 mL) and washed with water (2×100 mL) followed by saturated NaHCO3 (1×50 mL) solution, water (1×30 mL) and finally with brine (1×50 mL). Organic phase was dried over an. Na2SO4 and solvent was removed in vacuum. Silica gel column chromatographic purification of the crude material was afforded a mixture of diastereomers, which were separated by prep HPLC. Yield: −6 g crude

517A-Peak-1 (white solid), 5.13 g (96%). 1H-NMR (DMSO, 400 MHz): δ=7.39-7.31 (m, 5H), 5.04 (s, 2H), 4.78-4.73 (m, 1H), 4.48-4.47 (d, 2H), 3.94-3.93 (m, 2H), 2.71 (s, 3H), 1.72-1.67 (m, 4H). LC-MS-[M+H] −266.3, [M+NH4+] −283.5 present, HPLC-97.86%. Stereochemistry confirmed by X-ray.

Synthesis of 518

Using a procedure analogous to that described for the synthesis of compound 505, compound 518 (1.2 g, 41%) was obtained as a colorless oil. 1H-NMR (CDCl3, 400 MHz): δ=7.35-7.33 (m, 4H), 7.30-7.27 (m, 1H), 5.37-5.27 (m, 8H), 5.12 (s, 2H), 4.75 (m, 1H), 4.58-4.57 (m, 2H), 2.78-2.74 (m, 7H), 2.06-2.00 (m, 8H), 1.96-1.91 (m, 2H), 1.62 (m, 4H), 1.48 (m, 2H), 1.37-1.25 (br m, 36H), 0.87 (m, 6H). HPLC-98.65%.

General Procedure for the Synthesis of Compound 519

A solution of compound 518 (1 eq) in hexane (15 mL) was added in a drop-wise fashion to an ice-cold solution of LAH in THF (1 M, 2 eq). After complete addition, the mixture was heated at 40° C. over 0.5 h then cooled again on an ice bath. The mixture was carefully hydrolyzed with saturated aqueous Na2SO4 then filtered through celite and reduced to an oil. Column chromatography provided the pure 519 (1.3 g, 68%) which was obtained as a colorless oil. 13C NMR δ=130.2, 130.1 (×2), 127.9 (×3), 112.3, 79.3, 64.4, 44.7, 38.3, 35.4, 31.5, 29.9 (×2), 29.7, 29.6 (×2), 29.5 (×3), 29.3 (×2), 27.2 (×3), 25.6, 24.5, 23.3, 226, 14.1; Electrospray MS (+ve): Molecular weight for C44H80NO2 (M+H)+ Calc. 654.6, Found 654.6.

Formulations prepared by either the standard or extrusion-free method can be characterized in similar manners. For example, formulations are typically characterized by visual inspection. They should be whitish translucent solutions free from aggregates or sediment. Particle size and particle size distribution of lipid-nanoparticles can be measured by light scattering using, for example, a Malvern Zetasizer Nano ZS (Malvern, USA). Particles should be about 20-300 nm, such as 40-100 nm in size. The particle size distribution should be unimodal. The total dsRNA concentration in the formulation, as well as the entrapped fraction, is estimated using a dye exclusion assay. A sample of the formulated dsRNA can be incubated with an RNA-binding dye, such as Ribogreen (Molecular Probes) in the presence or absence of a formulation disrupting surfactant, e.g., 0.5% Triton-X100. The total dsRNA in the formulation can be determined by the signal from the sample containing the surfactant, relative to a standard curve. The entrapped fraction is determined by subtracting the “free” dsRNA content (as measured by the signal in the absence of surfactant) from the total dsRNA content. Percent entrapped dsRNA is typically >85%. For SNALP formulation, the particle size is at least 30 nm, at least 40 nm, at least 50 nm, at least 60 nm, at least 70 nm, at least 80 nm, at least 90 nm, at least 100 nm, at least 110 nm, and at least 120 nm. The suitable range is typically about at least 50 nm to about at least 110 nm, about at least 60 nm to about at least 100 nm, or about at least 80 nm to about at least 90 nm.

Compositions and formulations for oral administration include powders or granules, microparticulates, nanoparticulates, suspensions or solutions in water or non-aqueous media, capsules, gel capsules, sachets, tablets or minitablets. Thickeners, flavoring agents, diluents, emulsifiers, dispersing aids or binders can be desirable. In some embodiments, oral formulations are those in which dsRNAs featured in the invention are administered in conjunction with one or more penetration enhancer surfactants and chelators. Suitable surfactants include fatty acids and/or esters or salts thereof, bile acids and/or salts thereof. Suitable bile acids/salts include chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) and ursodeoxychenodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), cholic acid, dehydrocholic acid, deoxycholic acid, glucholic acid, glycholic acid, glycodeoxycholic acid, taurocholic acid, taurodeoxycholic acid, sodium tauro-24,25-dihydro-fusidate and sodium glycodihydrofusidate. Suitable fatty acids include arachidonic acid, undecanoic acid, oleic acid, lauric acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, dicaprate, tricaprate, monoolein, dilaurin, glyceryl 1-monocaprate, 1-dodecylazacycloheptan-2-one, an acylcarnitine, an acylcholine, or a monoglyceride, a diglyceride or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof (e.g., sodium). In some embodiments, combinations of penetration enhancers are used, for example, fatty acids/salts in combination with bile acids/salts. One exemplary combination is the sodium salt of lauric acid, capric acid and UDCA. Further penetration enhancers include polyoxyethylene-9-lauryl ether, polyoxyethylene-20-cetyl ether. DsRNAs featured in the invention can be delivered orally, in granular form including sprayed dried particles, or complexed to form micro or nanoparticles. DsRNA complexing agents include poly-amino acids; polyimines; polyacrylates; polyalkylacrylates, polyoxethanes, polyalkylcyanoacrylates; cationized gelatins, albumins, starches, acrylates, polyethyleneglycols (PEG) and starches; polyalkylcyanoacrylates; DEAE-derivatized polyimines, pollulans, celluloses and starches. Suitable complexing agents include chitosan, N-trimethylchitosan, poly-L-lysine, polyhistidine, polyornithine, polyspermines, protamine, polyvinylpyridine, polythiodiethylaminomethylethylene P(TDAE), polyaminostyrene (e.g., p-amino), poly(methylcyanoacrylate), poly(ethylcyanoacrylate), poly(butylcyanoacrylate), poly(isobutylcyanoacrylate), poly(isohexylcynaoacrylate), DEAE-methacrylate, DEAE-hexylacrylate, DEAE-acrylamide, DEAE-albumin and DEAE-dextran, polymethylacrylate, polyhexylacrylate, poly(D,L-lactic acid), poly(DL-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA), alginate, and polyethyleneglycol (PEG). Oral formulations for dsRNAs and their preparation are described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,887,906, US Publn. No. 20030027780, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,747,014, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Compositions and formulations for parenteral, intraparenchymal (into the brain), intrathecal, intraventricular or intrahepatic administration can include sterile aqueous solutions which can also contain buffers, diluents and other suitable additives such as, but not limited to, penetration enhancers, carrier compounds and other pharmaceutically acceptable carriers or excipients.

Pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention include, but are not limited to, solutions, emulsions, and liposome-containing formulations. These compositions can be generated from a variety of components that include, but are not limited to, preformed liquids, self-emulsifying solids and self-emulsifying semisolids. Particularly preferred are formulations that target the liver when treating hepatic disorders such as hepatic carcinoma.

The pharmaceutical formulations of the present invention, which can conveniently be presented in unit dosage form, can be prepared according to conventional techniques well known in the pharmaceutical industry. Such techniques include the step of bringing into association the active ingredients with the pharmaceutical carrier(s) or excipient(s). In general, the formulations are prepared by uniformly and intimately bringing into association the active ingredients with liquid carriers or finely divided solid carriers or both, and then, if necessary, shaping the product.

The compositions of the present invention can be formulated into any of many possible dosage forms such as, but not limited to, tablets, capsules, gel capsules, liquid syrups, soft gels, suppositories, and enemas. The compositions of the present invention can also be formulated as suspensions in aqueous, non-aqueous or mixed media. Aqueous suspensions can further contain substances which increase the viscosity of the suspension including, for example, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, sorbitol and/or dextran. The suspension can also contain stabilizers.

C. Additional Formulations

i. Emulsions

The compositions of the present invention can be prepared and formulated as emulsions. Emulsions are typically heterogeneous systems of one liquid dispersed in another in the form of droplets usually exceeding 0.1 μm in diameter (see e.g., Ansel's Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms and Drug Delivery Systems, Allen, L V., Popovich N G., and Ansel H C., 2004, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins (8th ed.), New York, NY; Idson, in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Lieberman, Rieger and Banker (Eds.), 1988, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., volume 1, p. 199; Rosoff, in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Lieberman, Rieger and Banker (Eds.), 1988, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., Volume 1, p. 245; Block in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Lieberman, Rieger and Banker (Eds.), 1988, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., volume 2, p. 335; Higuchi et al., in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mack Publishing Co., Easton, Pa., 1985, p. 301). Emulsions are often biphasic systems comprising two immiscible liquid phases intimately mixed and dispersed with each other. In general, emulsions can be of either the water-in-oil (w/o) or the oil-in-water (o/w) variety. When an aqueous phase is finely divided into and dispersed as minute droplets into a bulk oily phase, the resulting composition is called a water-in-oil (w/o) emulsion. Alternatively, when an oily phase is finely divided into and dispersed as minute droplets into a bulk aqueous phase, the resulting composition is called an oil-in-water (o/w) emulsion. Emulsions can contain additional components in addition to the dispersed phases, and the active drug which can be present as a solution in either the aqueous phase, oily phase or itself as a separate phase. Pharmaceutical excipients such as emulsifiers, stabilizers, dyes, and anti-oxidants can also be present in emulsions as needed. Pharmaceutical emulsions can also be multiple emulsions that are comprised of more than two phases such as, for example, in the case of oil-in-water-in-oil (o/w/o) and water-in-oil-in-water (w/o/w) emulsions. Such complex formulations often provide certain advantages that simple binary emulsions do not. Multiple emulsions in which individual oil droplets of an o/w emulsion enclose small water droplets constitute a w/o/w emulsion. Likewise a system of oil droplets enclosed in globules of water stabilized in an oily continuous phase provides an o/w/o emulsion.

Emulsions are characterized by little or no thermodynamic stability. Often, the dispersed or discontinuous phase of the emulsion is well dispersed into the external or continuous phase and maintained in this form through the means of emulsifiers or the viscosity of the formulation. Either of the phases of the emulsion can be a semisolid or a solid, as is the case of emulsion-style ointment bases and creams. Other means of stabilizing emulsions entail the use of emulsifiers that can be incorporated into either phase of the emulsion. Emulsifiers can broadly be classified into four categories: synthetic surfactants, naturally occurring emulsifiers, absorption bases, and finely dispersed solids (see e.g., Ansel's Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms and Drug Delivery Systems, Allen, L V., Popovich N G., and Ansel H C., 2004, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins (8th ed.), New York, NY; Idson, in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Lieberman, Rieger and Banker (Eds.), 1988, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., volume 1, p. 199).

Synthetic surfactants, also known as surface active agents, have found wide applicability in the formulation of emulsions and have been reviewed in the literature (see e.g., Ansel's Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms and Drug Delivery Systems, Allen, L V., Popovich N G., and Ansel H C., 2004, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins (8th ed.), New York, NY; Rieger, in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Lieberman, Rieger and Banker (Eds.), 1988, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., volume 1, p. 285; Idson, in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Lieberman, Rieger and Banker (Eds.), Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., 1988, volume 1, p. 199). Surfactants are typically amphiphilic and comprise a hydrophilic and a hydrophobic portion. The ratio of the hydrophilic to the hydrophobic nature of the surfactant has been termed the hydrophile/lipophile balance (HLB) and is a valuable tool in categorizing and selecting surfactants in the preparation of formulations. Surfactants can be classified into different classes based on the nature of the hydrophilic group: nonionic, anionic, cationic and amphoteric (see e.g., Ansel's Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms and Drug Delivery Systems, Allen, L V., Popovich N G., and Ansel H C., 2004, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins (8th ed.), New York, NY Rieger, in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Lieberman, Rieger and Banker (Eds.), 1988, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., volume 1, p. 285).

Naturally occurring emulsifiers used in emulsion formulations include lanolin, beeswax, phosphatides, lecithin and acacia. Absorption bases possess hydrophilic properties such that they can soak up water to form w/o emulsions yet retain their semisolid consistencies, such as anhydrous lanolin and hydrophilic petrolatum. Finely divided solids have also been used as good emulsifiers especially in combination with surfactants and in viscous preparations. These include polar inorganic solids, such as heavy metal hydroxides, nonswelling clays such as bentonite, attapulgite, hectorite, kaolin, montmorillonite, colloidal aluminum silicate and colloidal magnesium aluminum silicate, pigments and nonpolar solids such as carbon or glyceryl tristearate.

A large variety of non-emulsifying materials are also included in emulsion formulations and contribute to the properties of emulsions. These include fats, oils, waxes, fatty acids, fatty alcohols, fatty esters, humectants, hydrophilic colloids, preservatives and antioxidants (Block, in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Lieberman, Rieger and Banker (Eds.), 1988, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., volume 1, p. 335; Idson, in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Lieberman, Rieger and Banker (Eds.), 1988, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., volume 1, p. 199).

Hydrophilic colloids or hydrocolloids include naturally occurring gums and synthetic polymers such as polysaccharides (for example, acacia, agar, alginic acid, carrageenan, guar gum, karaya gum, and tragacanth), cellulose derivatives (for example, carboxymethylcellulose and carboxypropylcellulose), and synthetic polymers (for example, carbomers, cellulose ethers, and carboxyvinyl polymers). These disperse or swell in water to form colloidal solutions that stabilize emulsions by forming strong interfacial films around the dispersed-phase droplets and by increasing the viscosity of the external phase.

Since emulsions often contain a number of ingredients such as carbohydrates, proteins, sterols and phosphatides that can readily support the growth of microbes, these formulations often incorporate preservatives. Commonly used preservatives included in emulsion formulations include methyl paraben, propyl paraben, quaternary ammonium salts, benzalkonium chloride, esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid, and boric acid. Antioxidants are also commonly added to emulsion formulations to prevent deterioration of the formulation. Antioxidants used can be free radical scavengers such as tocopherols, alkyl gallates, butylated hydroxyanisole, butylated hydroxytoluene, or reducing agents such as ascorbic acid and sodium metabisulfite, and antioxidant synergists such as citric acid, tartaric acid, and lecithin.

The application of emulsion formulations via dermatological, oral and parenteral routes and methods for their manufacture have been reviewed in the literature (see e.g., Ansel's Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms and Drug Delivery Systems, Allen, L V., Popovich N G., and Ansel H C., 2004, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins (8th ed.), New York, NY; Idson, in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Lieberman, Rieger and Banker (Eds.), 1988, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., volume 1, p. 199). Emulsion formulations for oral delivery have been very widely used because of ease of formulation, as well as efficacy from an absorption and bioavailability standpoint (see e.g., Ansel's Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms and Drug Delivery Systems, Allen, L V., Popovich N G., and Ansel H C., 2004, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins (8th ed.), New York, NY; Rosoff, in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Lieberman, Rieger and Banker (Eds.), 1988, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., volume 1, p. 245; Idson, in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Lieberman, Rieger and Banker (Eds.), 1988, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., volume 1, p. 199). Mineral-oil base laxatives, oil-soluble vitamins and high fat nutritive preparations are among the materials that have commonly been administered orally as o/w emulsions.

ii. Microemulsions

In one embodiment of the present invention, the compositions of iRNAs and nucleic acids are formulated as microemulsions. A microemulsion can be defined as a system of water, oil and amphiphile which is a single optically isotropic and thermodynamically stable liquid solution (see e.g., Ansel's Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms and Drug Delivery Systems, Allen, L V., Popovich N G., and Ansel H C., 2004, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins (8th ed.), New York, NY; Rosoff, in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Lieberman, Rieger and Banker (Eds.), 1988, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., volume 1, p. 245). Typically microemulsions are systems that are prepared by first dispersing an oil in an aqueous surfactant solution and then adding a sufficient amount of a fourth component, generally an intermediate chain-length alcohol to form a transparent system. Therefore, microemulsions have also been described as thermodynamically stable, isotropically clear dispersions of two immiscible liquids that are stabilized by interfacial films of surface-active molecules (Leung and Shah, in: Controlled Release of Drugs: Polymers and Aggregate Systems, Rosoff, M., Ed., 1989, VCH Publishers, New York, pages 185-215). Microemulsions commonly are prepared via a combination of three to five components that include oil, water, surfactant, cosurfactant and electrolyte. Whether the microemulsion is of the water-in-oil (w/o) or an oil-in-water (o/w) type is dependent on the properties of the oil and surfactant used and on the structure and geometric packing of the polar heads and hydrocarbon tails of the surfactant molecules (Schott, in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mack Publishing Co., Easton, Pa., 1985, p. 271).

The phenomenological approach utilizing phase diagrams has been extensively studied and has yielded a comprehensive knowledge, to one skilled in the art, of how to formulate microemulsions (see e.g., Ansel's Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms and Drug Delivery Systems, Allen, L V., Popovich N G., and Ansel H C., 2004, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins (8th ed.), New York, NY; Rosoff, in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Lieberman, Rieger and Banker (Eds.), 1988, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., volume 1, p. 245; Block, in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Lieberman, Rieger and Banker (Eds.), 1988, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., volume 1, p. 335). Compared to conventional emulsions, microemulsions offer the advantage of solubilizing water-insoluble drugs in a formulation of thermodynamically stable droplets that are formed spontaneously.

Surfactants used in the preparation of microemulsions include, but are not limited to, ionic surfactants, non-ionic surfactants, Brij 96, polyoxyethylene oleyl ethers, polyglycerol fatty acid esters, tetraglycerol monolaurate (ML310), tetraglycerol monooleate (MO310), hexaglycerol monooleate (PO310), hexaglycerol pentaoleate (PO500), decaglycerol monocaprate (MCA750), decaglycerol monooleate (MO750), decaglycerol sequioleate (SO750), decaglycerol decaoleate (DAO750), alone or in combination with cosurfactants. The cosurfactant, usually a short-chain alcohol such as ethanol, 1-propanol, and 1-butanol, serves to increase the interfacial fluidity by penetrating into the surfactant film and consequently creating a disordered film because of the void space generated among surfactant molecules. Microemulsions can, however, be prepared without the use of cosurfactants and alcohol-free self-emulsifying microemulsion systems are known in the art. The aqueous phase can typically be, but is not limited to, water, an aqueous solution of the drug, glycerol, PEG300, PEG400, polyglycerols, propylene glycols, and derivatives of ethylene glycol. The oil phase can include, but is not limited to, materials such as Captex 300, Captex 355, Capmul MCM, fatty acid esters, medium chain (C8-C12) mono, di, and tri-glycerides, polyoxyethylated glyceryl fatty acid esters, fatty alcohols, polyglycolized glycerides, saturated polyglycolized C8-C10 glycerides, vegetable oils and silicone oil.

Microemulsions are particularly of interest from the standpoint of drug solubilization and the enhanced absorption of drugs. Lipid based microemulsions (both o/w and w/o) have been proposed to enhance the oral bioavailability of drugs, including peptides (see e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,191,105; 7,063,860; 7,070,802; 7,157,099; Constantinides et al., Pharmaceutical Research, 1994, 11, 1385-1390; Ritschel, Meth. Find. Exp. Clin. Pharmacol., 1993, 13, 205). Microemulsions afford advantages of improved drug solubilization, protection of drug from enzymatic hydrolysis, possible enhancement of drug absorption due to surfactant-induced alterations in membrane fluidity and permeability, ease of preparation, ease of oral administration over solid dosage forms, improved clinical potency, and decreased toxicity (see e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,191,105; 7,063,860; 7,070,802; 7,157,099; Constantinides et al., Pharmaceutical Research, 1994, 11, 1385; Ho et al., J. Pharm. Sci., 1996, 85, 138-143). Often microemulsions can form spontaneously when their components are brought together at ambient temperature. This can be particularly advantageous when formulating thermolabile drugs, peptides or iRNAs. Microemulsions have also been effective in the transdermal delivery of active components in both cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications. It is expected that the microemulsion compositions and formulations of the present invention will facilitate the increased systemic absorption of iRNAs and nucleic acids from the gastrointestinal tract, as well as improve the local cellular uptake of iRNAs and nucleic acids.

Microemulsions of the present invention can also contain additional components and additives such as sorbitan monostearate (Grill 3), Labrasol, and penetration enhancers to improve the properties of the formulation and to enhance the absorption of the iRNAs and nucleic acids of the present invention. Penetration enhancers used in the microemulsions of the present invention can be classified as belonging to one of five broad categories-surfactants, fatty acids, bile salts, chelating agents, and non-chelating non-surfactants (Lee et al., Critical Reviews in Therapeutic Drug Carrier Systems, 1991, p. 92). Each of these classes has been discussed above.

iii. Microparticles

an RNAi agent of the invention may be incorporated into a particle, e.g., a microparticle. Microparticles can be produced by spray-drying, but may also be produced by other methods including lyophilization, evaporation, fluid bed drying, vacuum drying, or a combination of these techniques.

iv. Penetration Enhancers

In one embodiment, the present invention employs various penetration enhancers to effect the efficient delivery of nucleic acids, particularly iRNAs, to the skin of animals. Most drugs are present in solution in both ionized and nonionized forms. However, usually only lipid soluble or lipophilic drugs readily cross cell membranes. It has been discovered that even non-lipophilic drugs can cross cell membranes if the membrane to be crossed is treated with a penetration enhancer. In addition to aiding the diffusion of non-lipophilic drugs across cell membranes, penetration enhancers also enhance the permeability of lipophilic drugs.

Penetration enhancers can be classified as belonging to one of five broad categories, i.e., surfactants, fatty acids, bile salts, chelating agents, and non-chelating non-surfactants (see e.g., Malmsten, M. Surfactants and polymers in drug delivery, Informa Health Care, New York, NY, 2002; Lee et al., Critical Reviews in Therapeutic Drug Carrier Systems, 1991, p. 92). Each of the above mentioned classes of penetration enhancers are described below in greater detail.

Surfactants (or “surface-active agents”) are chemical entities which, when dissolved in an aqueous solution, reduce the surface tension of the solution or the interfacial tension between the aqueous solution and another liquid, with the result that absorption of iRNAs through the mucosa is enhanced. In addition to bile salts and fatty acids, these penetration enhancers include, for example, sodium lauryl sulfate, polyoxyethylene-9-lauryl ether and polyoxyethylene-20-cetyl ether) (see e.g., Malmsten, M. Surfactants and polymers in drug delivery, Informa Health Care, New York, NY, 2002; Lee et al., Critical Reviews in Therapeutic Drug Carrier Systems, 1991, p. 92); and perfluorochemical emulsions, such as FC-43. Takahashi et al., J. Pharm. Pharmacol., 1988, 40, 252).

Various fatty acids and their derivatives which act as penetration enhancers include, for example, oleic acid, lauric acid, capric acid (n-decanoic acid), myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, dicaprate, tricaprate, monoolein (1-monooleoyl-rac-glycerol), dilaurin, caprylic acid, arachidonic acid, glycerol 1-monocaprate, 1-dodecylazacycloheptan-2-one, acylcarnitines, acylcholines, C₁₋₂₀ alkyl esters thereof (e.g., methyl, isopropyl and t-butyl), and mono- and di-glycerides thereof (i.e., oleate, laurate, caprate, myristate, palmitate, stearate, linoleate, etc.) (see e.g., Touitou, E., et al. Enhancement in Drug Delivery, CRC Press, Danvers, MA, 2006; Lee et al., Critical Reviews in Therapeutic Drug Carrier Systems, 1991, p. 92; Muranishi, Critical Reviews in Therapeutic Drug Carrier Systems, 1990, 7, 1-33; El Hariri et al., J. Pharm. Pharmacol., 1992, 44, 651-654).

The physiological role of bile includes the facilitation of dispersion and absorption of lipids and fat-soluble vitamins (see e.g., Malmsten, M. Surfactants and polymers in drug delivery, Informa Health Care, New York, NY, 2002; Brunton, Chapter 38 in: Goodman & Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 9th Ed., Hardman et al. Eds., McGraw-Hill, New York, 1996, pp. 934-935). Various natural bile salts, and their synthetic derivatives, act as penetration enhancers. Thus the term “bile salts” includes any of the naturally occurring components of bile as well as any of their synthetic derivatives. Suitable bile salts include, for example, cholic acid (or its pharmaceutically acceptable sodium salt, sodium cholate), dehydrocholic acid (sodium dehydrocholate), deoxycholic acid (sodium deoxycholate), glucholic acid (sodium glucholate), glycholic acid (sodium glycocholate), glycodeoxycholic acid (sodium glycodeoxycholate), taurocholic acid (sodium taurocholate), taurodeoxycholic acid (sodium taurodeoxycholate), chenodeoxycholic acid (sodium chenodeoxycholate), ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), sodium tauro-24,25-dihydro-fusidate (STDHF), sodium glycodihydrofusidate and polyoxyethylene-9-lauryl ether (POE) (see e.g., Malmsten, M. Surfactants and polymers in drug delivery, Informa Health Care, New York, NY, 2002; Lee et al., Critical Reviews in Therapeutic Drug Carrier Systems, 1991, page 92; Swinyard, Chapter 39 In: Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 18th Ed., Gennaro, ed., Mack Publishing Co., Easton, Pa., 1990, pages 782-783; Muranishi, Critical Reviews in Therapeutic Drug Carrier Systems, 1990, 7, 1-33; Yamamoto et al., J. Pharm. Exp. Ther., 1992, 263, 25; Yamashita et al., J. Pharm. Sci., 1990, 79, 579-583).

Chelating agents, as used in connection with the present invention, can be defined as compounds that remove metallic ions from solution by forming complexes therewith, with the result that absorption of iRNAs through the mucosa is enhanced. With regards to their use as penetration enhancers in the present invention, chelating agents have the added advantage of also serving as DNase inhibitors, as most characterized DNA nucleases require a divalent metal ion for catalysis and are thus inhibited by chelating agents (Jarrett, J. Chromatogr., 1993, 618, 315-339). Suitable chelating agents include but are not limited to disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA), citric acid, salicylates (e.g., sodium salicylate, 5-methoxysalicylate and homovanilate), N-acyl derivatives of collagen, laureth-9 and N-amino acyl derivatives of beta-diketones (enamines)(see e.g., Katdare, A. et al., Excipient development for pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and drug delivery, CRC Press, Danvers, MA, 2006; Lee et al., Critical Reviews in Therapeutic Drug Carrier Systems, 1991, page 92; Muranishi, Critical Reviews in Therapeutic Drug Carrier Systems, 1990, 7, 1-33; Buur et al., J. Control Rel., 1990, 14, 43-51).

As used herein, non-chelating non-surfactant penetration enhancing compounds can be defined as compounds that demonstrate insignificant activity as chelating agents or as surfactants but that nonetheless enhance absorption of iRNAs through the alimentary mucosa (see e.g., Muranishi, Critical Reviews in Therapeutic Drug Carrier Systems, 1990, 7, 1-33). This class of penetration enhancers includes, for example, unsaturated cyclic ureas, 1-alkyl- and 1-alkenylazacyclo-alkanone derivatives (Lee et al., Critical Reviews in Therapeutic Drug Carrier Systems, 1991, page 92); and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents such as diclofenac sodium, indomethacin and phenylbutazone (Yamashita et al., J. Pharm. Pharmacol., 1987, 39, 621-626).

Agents that enhance uptake of iRNAs at the cellular level can also be added to the pharmaceutical and other compositions of the present invention. For example, cationic lipids, such as lipofectin (Junichi et al, U.S. Pat. No. 5,705,188), cationic glycerol derivatives, and polycationic molecules, such as polylysine (Lollo et al., PCT Application WO 97/30731), are also known to enhance the cellular uptake of dsRNAs. Examples of commercially available transfection reagents include, for example Lipofectamine™ (Invitrogen; Carlsbad, CA), Lipofectamine 2000™ (Invitrogen; Carlsbad, CA), 293fectin™ (Invitrogen; Carlsbad, CA), Cellfectin™ (Invitrogen; Carlsbad, CA), DMRIE-C™ (Invitrogen; Carlsbad, CA), FreeStyle™ MAX (Invitrogen; Carlsbad, CA), Lipofectamine™ 2000 CD (Invitrogen; Carlsbad, CA), Lipofectamine™ (Invitrogen; Carlsbad, CA), RNAiMAX (Invitrogen; Carlsbad, CA), Oligofectamine™ (Invitrogen; Carlsbad, CA), Optifect™ (Invitrogen; Carlsbad, CA), X-tremeGENE Q2 Transfection Reagent (Roche; Grenzacherstrasse, Switzerland), DOTAP Liposomal Transfection Reagent (Grenzacherstrasse, Switzerland), DOSPER Liposomal Transfection Reagent (Grenzacherstrasse, Switzerland), or Fugene (Grenzacherstrasse, Switzerland), Transfectam® Reagent (Promega; Madison, WI), TransFast™ Transfection Reagent (Promega; Madison, WI), TfxTm-20 Reagent (Promega; Madison, WI), TfxTm-50 Reagent (Promega; Madison, WI), DreamFect™ (OZ Biosciences; Marseille, France), EcoTransfect (OZ Biosciences; Marseille, France), TransPassa D1 Transfection Reagent (New England Biolabs; Ipswich, MA, USA), LyoVec™/LipoGen™ (Invitrogen; San Diego, CA, USA), PerFectin Transfection Reagent (Genlantis; San Diego, CA, USA), NeuroPORTER Transfection Reagent (Genlantis; San Diego, CA, USA), GenePORTER Transfection reagent (Genlantis; San Diego, CA, USA), GenePORTER 2 Transfection reagent (Genlantis; San Diego, CA, USA), Cytofectin Transfection Reagent (Genlantis; San Diego, CA, USA), BaculoPORTER Transfection Reagent (Genlantis; San Diego, CA, USA), TroganPORTER™ transfection Reagent (Genlantis; San Diego, CA, USA), RiboFect (Bioline; Taunton, MA, USA), PlasFect (Bioline; Taunton, MA, USA), UniFECTOR (B-Bridge International; Mountain View, CA, USA), SureFECTOR (B-Bridge International; Mountain View, CA, USA), or HiFect™ (B-Bridge International, Mountain View, CA, USA), among others.

Other agents can be utilized to enhance the penetration of the administered nucleic acids, including glycols such as ethylene glycol and propylene glycol, pyrrols such as 2-pyrrol, azones, and terpenes such as limonene and menthone.

v. Carriers

Certain compositions of the present invention also incorporate carrier compounds in the formulation. As used herein, “carrier compound” or “carrier” can refer to a nucleic acid, or analog thereof, which is inert (i.e., does not possess biological activity per se) but is recognized as a nucleic acid by in vivo processes that reduce the bioavailability of a nucleic acid having biological activity by, for example, degrading the biologically active nucleic acid or promoting its removal from circulation. The coadministration of a nucleic acid and a carrier compound, typically with an excess of the latter substance, can result in a substantial reduction of the amount of nucleic acid recovered in the liver, kidney or other extracirculatory reservoirs, presumably due to competition between the carrier compound and the nucleic acid for a common receptor. For example, the recovery of a partially phosphorothioate dsRNA in hepatic tissue can be reduced when it is coadministered with polyinosinic acid, dextran sulfate, polycytidic acid or 4-acetamido-4′isothiocyano-stilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid (Miyao et al., DsRNA Res. Dev., 1995, 5, 115-121; Takakura et al., DsRNA & Nucl. Acid Drug Dev., 1996, 6, 177-183.

vi. Excipients

In contrast to a carrier compound, a “pharmaceutical carrier” or “excipient” is a pharmaceutically acceptable solvent, suspending agent or any other pharmacologically inert vehicle for delivering one or more nucleic acids to an animal. The excipient can be liquid or solid and is selected, with the planned manner of administration in mind, so as to provide for the desired bulk, consistency, etc., when combined with a nucleic acid and the other components of a given pharmaceutical composition. Typical pharmaceutical carriers include, but are not limited to, binding agents (e.g., pregelatinized maize starch, polyvinylpyrrolidone or hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, etc.); fillers (e.g., lactose and other sugars, microcrystalline cellulose, pectin, gelatin, calcium sulfate, ethyl cellulose, polyacrylates or calcium hydrogen phosphate, etc.); lubricants (e.g., magnesium stearate, talc, silica, colloidal silicon dioxide, stearic acid, metallic stearates, hydrogenated vegetable oils, corn starch, polyethylene glycols, sodium benzoate, sodium acetate, etc.); disintegrants (e.g., starch, sodium starch glycolate, etc.); and wetting agents (e.g., sodium lauryl sulphate, etc).

Pharmaceutically acceptable organic or inorganic excipients suitable for non-parenteral administration which do not deleteriously react with nucleic acids can also be used to formulate the compositions of the present invention. Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable carriers include, but are not limited to, water, salt solutions, alcohols, polyethylene glycols, gelatin, lactose, amylose, magnesium stearate, talc, silicic acid, viscous paraffin, hydroxymethylcellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone and the like.

Formulations for topical administration of nucleic acids can include sterile and non-sterile aqueous solutions, non-aqueous solutions in common solvents such as alcohols, or solutions of the nucleic acids in liquid or solid oil bases. The solutions can also contain buffers, diluents and other suitable additives. Pharmaceutically acceptable organic or inorganic excipients suitable for non-parenteral administration which do not deleteriously react with nucleic acids can be used.

Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable excipients include, but are not limited to, water, salt solutions, alcohol, polyethylene glycols, gelatin, lactose, amylose, magnesium stearate, talc, silicic acid, viscous paraffin, hydroxymethylcellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone and the like.

vii. Other Components

The compositions of the present invention can additionally contain other adjunct components conventionally found in pharmaceutical compositions, at their art-established usage levels. Thus, for example, the compositions can contain additional, compatible, pharmaceutically-active materials such as, for example, antipruritics, astringents, local anesthetics or anti-inflammatory agents, or can contain additional materials useful in physically formulating various dosage forms of the compositions of the present invention, such as dyes, flavoring agents, preservatives, antioxidants, opacifiers, thickening agents and stabilizers. However, such materials, when added, should not unduly interfere with the biological activities of the components of the compositions of the present invention. The formulations can be sterilized and, if desired, mixed with auxiliary agents, e.g., lubricants, preservatives, stabilizers, wetting agents, emulsifiers, salts for influencing osmotic pressure, buffers, colorings, flavorings and/or aromatic substances and the like which do not deleteriously interact with the nucleic acid(s) of the formulation.

Aqueous suspensions can contain substances which increase the viscosity of the suspension including, for example, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, sorbitol and/or dextran. The suspension can also contain stabilizers.

In some embodiments, pharmaceutical compositions featured in the invention include (a) one or more iRNA compounds and (b) one or more agents which function by a non-RNAi mechanism and which are useful in treating a hemolytic disorder. Examples of such agents include, but are not lmited to an anti-inflammatory agent, anti-steatosis agent, anti-viral, and/or anti-fibrosis agent. In addition, other substances commonly used to protect the liver, such as silymarin, can also be used in conjunction with the iRNAs described herein. Other agents useful for treating liver diseases include telbivudine, entecavir, and protease inhibitors such as telaprevir and other disclosed, for example, in Tung et al., U.S. Application Publication Nos. 2005/0148548, 2004/0167116, and 2003/0144217; and in Hale et al., U.S. Application Publication No. 2004/0127488.

Toxicity and therapeutic efficacy of such compounds can be determined by standard pharmaceutical procedures in cell cultures or experimental animals, e.g., for determining the LD50 (the dose lethal to 50% of the population) and the ED50 (the dose therapeutically effective in 50% of the population). The dose ratio between toxic and therapeutic effects is the therapeutic index and it can be expressed as the ratio LD50/ED50. Compounds that exhibit high therapeutic indices are preferred.

The data obtained from cell culture assays and animal studies can be used in formulating a range of dosage for use in humans. The dosage of compositions featured herein in the invention lies generally within a range of circulating concentrations that include the ED50 with little or no toxicity. The dosage can vary within this range depending upon the dosage form employed and the route of administration utilized. For any compound used in the methods featured in the invention, the therapeutically effective dose can be estimated initially from cell culture assays. A dose can be formulated in animal models to achieve a circulating plasma concentration range of the compound or, when appropriate, of the polypeptide product of a target sequence (e.g., achieving a decreased concentration of the polypeptide) that includes the IC50 (i.e., the concentration of the test compound which achieves a half-maximal inhibition of symptoms) as determined in cell culture. Such information can be used to more accurately determine useful doses in humans. Levels in plasma can be measured, for example, by high performance liquid chromatography.

In addition to their administration, as discussed above, the iRNAs featured in the invention can be administered in combination with other known agents effective in treatment of pathological processes mediated by C5 expression. In any event, the administering physician can adjust the amount and timing of iRNA administration on the basis of results observed using standard measures of efficacy known in the art or described herein.

VI. Methods for Inhibiting C5 Expression

The present invention provides methods of inhibiting expression of C5 in a cell. The methods include contacting a cell with an RNAi agent, e.g., a double stranded RNAi agent, in an amount effective to inhibit expression of the C5 in the cell, thereby inhibiting expression of the C5 in the cell.

Contacting of a cell with a double stranded RNAi agent may be done in vitro or in vivo. Contacting a cell in vivo with the RNAi agent includes contacting a cell or group of cells within a subject, e.g., a human subject, with the RNAi agent. Combinations of in vitro and in vivo methods of contacting are also possible. Contacting may be direct or indirect, as discussed above. Furthermore, contacting a cell may be accomplished via a targeting ligand, including any ligand described herein or known in the art. In preferred embodiments, the targeting ligand is a carbohydrate moiety, e.g., a GalNAc₃ ligand, or any other ligand that directs the RNAi agent to a site of interest, e.g., the liver of a subject.

The term “inhibiting,” as used herein, is used interchangeably with “reducing,” “silencing,” “downregulating” and other similar terms, and includes any level of inhibition.

The phrase “inhibiting expression of a C5” is intended to refer to inhibition of expression of any C5 gene (such as, e.g., a mouse C5 gene, a rat C5 gene, a monkey C5 gene, or a human C5 gene) as well as variants or mutants of a C5 gene. Thus, the C5 gene may be a wild-type C5 gene, a mutant C5 gene, or a transgenic C5 gene in the context of a genetically manipulated cell, group of cells, or organism.

“Inhibiting expression of a C5 gene” includes any level of inhibition of a C5 gene, e.g., at least partial suppression of the expression of a C5 gene. The expression of the C5 gene may be assessed based on the level, or the change in the level, of any variable associated with C5 gene expression, e.g., C5 mRNA level, C5 protein level, or for example, CH₅₀ activity as a measure of total hemolytic complement, AH₅₀ to measure the hemolytic activity of the alternate pathway of complement, and/or lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels as a measure of intravascular hemolysis, and/or hemoglobin levels. Levels of C5a, C5b, and soluble C5b-9 complex may also be measured to assess C5 expression. This level may be assessed in an individual cell or in a group of cells, including, for example, a sample derived from a subject.

Inhibition may be assessed by a decrease in an absolute or relative level of one or more variables that are associated with C5 expression compared with a control level. The control level may be any type of control level that is utilized in the art, e.g., a pre-dose baseline level, or a level determined from a similar subject, cell, or sample that is untreated or treated with a control (such as, e.g., buffer only control or inactive agent control).

In some embodiments of the methods of the invention, expression of a C5 gene is inhibited by at least about 5%, at least about 10%, at least about 15%, at least about 20%, at least about 25%, at least about 30%, at least about 35%, at least about 40%, at least about 45%, at least about 50%, at least about 55%, at least about 60%, at least about 65%, at least about 70%, at least about 75%, at least about 80%, at least about 85%, at least about 90%, at least about 91%, at least about 92%, at least about 93%, at least about 94%. at least about 95%, at least about 96%, at least about 97%, at least about 98%, or at least about 99%.

Inhibition of the expression of a C5 gene may be manifested by a reduction of the amount of mRNA expressed by a first cell or group of cells (such cells may be present, for example, in a sample derived from a subject) in which a C5 gene is transcribed and which has or have been treated (e.g., by contacting the cell or cells with an RNAi agent of the invention, or by administering an RNAi agent of the invention to a subject in which the cells are or were present) such that the expression of a C5 gene is inhibited, as compared to a second cell or group of cells substantially identical to the first cell or group of cells but which has not or have not been so treated (control cell(s)). In preferred embodiments, the inhibition is assessed by expressing the level of mRNA in treated cells as a percentage of the level of mRNA in control cells, using the following formula:

${\frac{\left( {{mRNA}\mspace{14mu}{in}\mspace{14mu}{control}\mspace{14mu}{cells}} \right) - \left( {{mRNA}\mspace{14mu}{in}\mspace{14mu}{treated}\mspace{14mu}{cells}} \right)}{\left( {{mRNA}\mspace{14mu}{in}\mspace{14mu}{control}\mspace{14mu}{cells}} \right)} \cdot 100}\%$

Alternatively, inhibition of the expression of a C5 gene may be assessed in terms of a reduction of a parameter that is functionally linked to C5 gene expression, e.g., C5 protein expression, hepcidin gene or protein expression, or iron levels in tissues or serum. C5 gene silencing may be determined in any cell expressing C5, either constitutively or by genomic engineering, and by any assay known in the art. The liver is the major site of C5 expression. Other significant sites of expression include the kidneys and the uterus.

Inhibition of the expression of a C5 protein may be manifested by a reduction in the level of the C5 protein that is expressed by a cell or group of cells (e.g., the level of protein expressed in a sample derived from a subject). As explained above for the assessment of mRNA suppression, the inhibiton of protein expression levels in a treated cell or group of cells may similarly be expressed as a percentage of the level of protein in a control cell or group of cells.

A control cell or group of cells that may be used to assess the inhibition of the expression of a C5 gene includes a cell or group of cells that has not yet been contacted with an RNAi agent of the invention. For example, the control cell or group of cells may be derived from an individual subject (e.g., a human or animal subject) prior to treatment of the subject with an RNAi agent.

The level of C5 mRNA that is expressed by a cell or group of cells may be determined using any method known in the art for assessing mRNA expression. In one embodiment, the level of expression of C5 in a sample is determined by detecting a transcribed polynucleotide, or portion thereof, e.g., mRNA of the C5 gene. RNA may be extracted from cells using RNA extraction techniques including, for example, using acid phenol/guanidine isothiocyanate extraction (RNAzol B; Biogenesis), RNeasy RNA preparation kits (Qiagen) or PAXgene (PreAnalytix, Switzerland). Typical assay formats utilizing ribonucleic acid hybridization include nuclear run-on assays, RT-PCR, RNase protection assays (Melton et al., Nuc. Acids Res. 12:7035), Northern blotting, in situ hybridization, and microarray analysis.

In one embodiment, the level of expression of C5 is determined using a nucleic acid probe. The term “probe”, as used herein, refers to any molecule that is capable of selectively binding to a specific C5. Probes can be synthesized by one of skill in the art, or derived from appropriate biological preparations. Probes may be specifically designed to be labeled. Examples of molecules that can be utilized as probes include, but are not limited to, RNA, DNA, proteins, antibodies, and organic molecules.

Isolated mRNA can be used in hybridization or amplification assays that include, but are not limited to, Southern or Northern analyses, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses and probe arrays. One method for the determination of mRNA levels involves contacting the isolated mRNA with a nucleic acid molecule (probe) that can hybridize to C5 mRNA. In one embodiment, the mRNA is immobilized on a solid surface and contacted with a probe, for example by running the isolated mRNA on an agarose gel and transferring the mRNA from the gel to a membrane, such as nitrocellulose. In an alternative embodiment, the probe(s) are immobilized on a solid surface and the mRNA is contacted with the probe(s), for example, in an Affymetrix gene chip array. A skilled artisan can readily adapt known mRNA detection methods for use in determining the level of C5 mRNA.

An alternative method for determining the level of expression of C5 in a sample involves the process of nucleic acid amplification and/or reverse transcriptase (to prepare cDNA) of for example mRNA in the sample, e.g., by RT-PCR (the experimental embodiment set forth in Mullis, 1987, U.S. Pat. No. 4,683,202), ligase chain reaction (Barany (1991) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 88:189-193), self sustained sequence replication (Guatelli et al. (1990) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 87:1874-1878), transcriptional amplification system (Kwoh et al. (1989) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 86:1173-1177), Q-Beta Replicase (Lizardi et al. (1988) Bio/Technology 6:1197), rolling circle replication (Lizardi et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,854,033) or any other nucleic acid amplification method, followed by the detection of the amplified molecules using techniques well known to those of skill in the art. These detection schemes are especially useful for the detection of nucleic acid molecules if such molecules are present in very low numbers. In particular aspects of the invention, the level of expression of C5 is determined by quantitative fluorogenic RT-PCR (i.e., the TaqMan™ System).

The expression levels of C5 mRNA may be monitored using a membrane blot (such as used in hybridization analysis such as Northern, Southern, dot, and the like), or microwells, sample tubes, gels, beads or fibers (or any solid support comprising bound nucleic acids). See U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,770,722, 5,874,219, 5,744,305, 5,677,195 and 5,445,934, which are incorporated herein by reference. The determination of C5 expression level may also comprise using nucleic acid probes in solution.

In preferred embodiments, the level of mRNA expression is assessed using branched DNA (bDNA) assays or real time PCR (qPCR). The use of these methods is described and exemplified in the Examples presented herein.

The level of C5 protein expression may be determined using any method known in the art for the measurement of protein levels. Such methods include, for example, electrophoresis, capillary electrophoresis, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), thin layer chromatography (TLC), hyperdiffusion chromatography, fluid or gel precipitin reactions, absorption spectroscopy, a colorimetric assays, spectrophotometric assays, flow cytometry, immunodiffusion (single or double), immunoelectrophoresis, Western blotting, radioimmunoassay (RIA), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), immunofluorescent assays, electrochemiluminescence assays, and the like.

The term “sample” as used herein refers to a collection of similar fluids, cells, or tissues isolated from a subject, as well as fluids, cells, or tissues present within a subject. Examples of biological fluids include blood, serum and serosal fluids, plasma, lymph, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, saliva, ocular fluids, and the like. Tissue samples may include samples from tissues, organs or localized regions. For example, samples may be derived from particular organs, parts of organs, or fluids or cells within those organs. In certain embodiments, samples may be derived from the liver (e.g., whole liver or certain segments of liver or certain types of cells in the liver, such as, e.g., hepatocytes). In preferred embodiments, a “sample derived from a subject” refers to blood or plasma drawn from the subject. In further embodiments, a “sample derived from a subject” refers to liver tissue derived from the subject.

In some embodiments of the methods of the invention, the RNAi agent is administered to a subject such that the RNAi agent is delivered to a specific site within the subject. The inhibition of expression of C5 may be assessed using measurements of the level or change in the level of C5 mRNA or C5 protein in a sample derived from fluid or tissue from the specific site within the subject. In preferred embodiments, the site is sthe liver. The site may also be a subsection or subgroup of cells from any one of the aforementioned sites. The site may also include cells that express a particular type of receptor.

The phrase “contacting a cell with an RNAi agent,” such as a dsRNA, as used herein, includes contacting a cell by any possible means. Contacting a cell with an RNAi agent includes contacting a cell in vitro with the iRNA or contacting a cell in vivo with the iRNA. The contacting may be done directly or indirectly. Thus, for example, the RNAi agent may be put into physical contact with the cell by the individual performing the method, or alternatively, the RNAi agent may be put into a situation that will permit or cause it to subsequently come into contact with the cell.

Contacting a cell in vitro may be done, for example, by incubating the cell with the RNAi agent. Contacting a cell in vivo may be done, for example, by injecting the RNAi agent into or near the tissue where the cell is located, or by injecting the RNAi agent into another area, e.g., the bloodstream or the subcutaneous space, such that the agent will subsequently reach the tissue where the cell to be contacted is located. For example, the RNAi agent may contain and/or be coupled to a ligand, e.g., GalNAc3, that directs the RNAi agent to a site of interest, e.g., the liver. Combinations of in vitro and in vivo methods of contacting are also possible. For example, a cell may also be contacted in vitro with an RNAi agent and subsequently transplanted into a subject.

In one embodiment, contacting a cell with an iRNA includes “introducing” or “delivering the iRNA into the cell” by facilitating or effecting uptake or absorption into the cell. Absorption or uptake of an iRNA can occur through unaided diffusive or active cellular processes, or by auxiliary agents or devices. Introducing an iRNA into a cell may be in vitro and/or in vivo. For example, for in vivo introduction, iRNA can be injected into a tissue site or administered systemically. In vivo delivery can also be done by a beta-glucan delivery system, such as those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,032,401 and 5,607,677, and U.S. Publication No. 2005/0281781, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. In vitro introduction into a cell includes methods known in the art such as electroporation and lipofection. Further approaches are described herein below and/or are known in the art.

VII. Methods for Treating or Preventing a Complement Component C5-Associated Disorder

The present invention also provides therapeutic and prophylactic methods which include administering to a subject having a complement component C5-associated disease, e.g., PNH or aHUS, an iRNA agent, pharmaceutical compositions comprising an iRNA agent, or vector comprising an iRNA of the invention. In some aspects of the invention, the methods further include administering to the subject an additional therapeutic agent, such as an anti-complement component C5 antibody, or antigen-binding fragment thereof (e.g., eculizumab).

In one aspect, the present invention provides methods of treating a subject having a disorder that would benefit from reduction in C5 expression, e.g., a complement component C5-associated disease, e.g., PNH or aHUS. The treatment methods (and uses) of the invention include administering to the subject, e.g., a human, a therapeutically effective amount of an iRNA agent targeting a C5 gene or a pharmaceutical composition comprising an iRNA agent targeting a C5 gene, thereby treating the subject having a disorder that would benefit from reduction in C5 expression.

In another aspect, the present invention provides methods of treating a subject having a disorder that would benefit from reduction in C5 expression, e.g., a complement component C5-associated disease, e.g., PNH or aHUS, which include administering to the subject, e.g., a human, a therapeutically effective amount of an iRNA agent targeting a C5 gene or a pharmaceutical composition comprising an iRNA agent targeting a C5 gene, and an additional therapeutic agent, such as an anti-complement component C5 antibody, or antigen-binding fragment thereof (e.g., eculizumab), thereby treating the subject having a disorder that would benefit from reduction in C5 expression.

In one aspect, the invention provides methods of preventing at least one symptom in a subject having a disorder that would benefit from reduction in C5 expression, e.g., a complement component C5-associated disease, e.g., PNH or aHUS. The methods include administering to the subject a prohpylactically effective amount of the iRNA agent, e.g., dsRNA, or vector of the invention, thereby preventing at least one symptom in the subject having a disorder that would benefit from reduction in C5 expression. For example, the invention provides methods for preventing hemolysis in a subject suffering from a disorder that would benefit from reduction in C5 expression, e.g., a complement component C5-associated disease, e.g., PNH or aHUS.

In another aspect, the invention provides methods of preventing at least one symptom in a subject having a disorder that would benefit from reduction in C5 expression, e.g., a complement component C5-associated disease, e.g., PNH or aHUS. The methods include administering to the subject a prohpylactically effective amount of the iRNA agent, e.g., dsRNA, or vector of the invention, and an additional therapeutic agent, such as an anti-complement component C5 antibody, or antigen-binding fragment thereof (e.g., eculizumab), thereby preventing at least one symptom in the subject having a disorder that would benefit from reduction in C5 expression.

“Therapeutically effective amount,” as used herein, is intended to include the amount of an RNAi agent or anti-complement component C5 antibody, or antigen-binding fragment thereof (e.g., eculizumab), that, when administered to a subject having a complement component C5-associated disease, is sufficient to effect treatment of the disease (e.g., by diminishing, ameliorating or maintaining the existing disease or one or more symptoms of disease). The “therapeutically effective amount” may vary depending on the RNAi agent or antibody, or antigen-binding fragment thereof, how the agent is administered, the disease and its severity and the history, age, weight, family history, genetic makeup, the types of preceding or concomitant treatments, if any, and other individual characteristics of the subject to be treated.

“Prophylactically effective amount,” as used herein, is intended to include the amount of an iRNA agent or anti-complement component C5 antibody, or antigen-binding fragment thereof (e.g., eculizumab), that, when administered to a subject having a complement component C5-associate disease but not yet (or currently) experiencing or displaying symptoms of the disease, and/or a subject at risk of developing a complement component C5-associated disease, e.g., a subject having a graft and/or transplant, e.g., a sensitized or allogenic recipient, a subject having sepsis, and/or a subject having a myocardial infarction, is sufficient to prevent or ameliorate the disease or one or more symptoms of the disease. Ameliorating the disease includes slowing the course of the disease or reducing the severity of later-developing disease. The “prophylactically effective amount” may vary depending on the iRNA agent or anti-complement component C5 antibody, or antigen-binding fragment thereof, how the agent or anti-complement component C5 antibody, or antigen-binding fragment thereof, is administered, the degree of risk of disease, and the history, age, weight, family history, genetic makeup, the types of preceding or concomitant treatments, if any, and other individual characteristics of the patient to be treated.

A “therapeutically effective amount” or “prophylactically effective amount” also includes an amount of an RNAi agent or anti-complement component C5 antibody, or antigen-binding fragment thereof (e.g., eculizumab), that produces some desired local or systemic effect at a reasonable benefit/risk ratio applicable to any treatment. iRNA agents employed in the methods of the present invention may be administered in a sufficient amount to produce a reasonable benefit/risk ratio applicable to such treatment.

In another aspect, the present invention provides uses of a therapeutically effective amount of an iRNA agent of the invention for treating a subject, e.g., a subject that would benefit from a reduction and/or inhibition of C5 expression.

In another aspect, the present invention provides uses of a therapeutically effective amount of an iRNA agent of the invention and an additional therapeutic agent, such as an anti-complement component C5 antibody, or antigen-binding fragment thereof (e.g., eculizumab), for treating a subject, e.g., a subject that would benefit from a reduction and/or inhibition of C5 expression.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides use of an iRNA agent, e.g., a dsRNA, of the invention targeting a C5 gene or a pharmaceutical composition comprising an iRNA agent targeting a C5 gene in the manufacture of a medicament for treating a subject, e.g., a subject that would benefit from a reduction and/or inhibition of C5 expression, such as a subject having a disorder that would benefit from reduction in C5 expression, e.g., a complement component C5-associated disease, e.g., PNH or aHUS.

In another aspect, the present invention provides uses of an iRNA agent, e.g., a dsRNA, of the invention targeting a C5 gene or a pharmaceutical composition comprising an iRNA agent targeting a C5 gene in the manufacture of a medicament for use in combination with an additional therapeutic agent, such as an anti-complement component C5 antibody, or antigen-binding fragment thereof (e.g., eculizumab), for treating a subject, e.g., a subject that would benefit from a reduction and/or inhibition of C5 expression, e.g., a complement component C5-associated disease, e.g., PNH or aHUS.

In another aspect, the invention provides uses of an iRNA, e.g., a dsRNA, of the invention for preventing at least one symptom in a subject suffering from a disorder that would benefit from a reduction and/or inhibition of C5 expression, such as a complement component C5-associated disease, e.g., PNH or aHUS.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides uses of an iRNA agent, e.g., a dsRNA, of the invention, and an additional therapeutic agent, such as an anti-complement component C5 antibody, or antigen-binding fragment thereof (e.g., eculizumab), for preventing at least one symptom in a subject suffering from a disorder that would benefit from a reduction and/or inhibition of C5 expression, such as a complement component C5-associated disease, e.g., PNH or aHUS.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides uses of an iRNA agent of the invention in the manufacture of a medicament for preventing at least one symptom in a subject suffering from a disorder that would benefit from a reduction and/or inhibition of C5 expression, such as a complement component C5-associated disease, e.g., PNH or aHUS.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides uses of an iRNA agent of the invention in the manufacture of a medicament for use in combination with an additional therapeutic agent, such as an anti-complement component C5 antibody, or antigen-binding fragment thereof (e.g., eculizumab), for preventing at least one symptom in a subject suffering from a disorder that would benefit from a reduction and/or inhibition of C5 expression, such as a complement component C5-associated disease, e.g., PNH or aHUS.

In one embodiment, an iRNA agent targeting C5 is administered to a subject having a complement component C5-associated disease such that C5 levels, e.g., in a cell, tissue, blood, urine or other tissue or fluid of the subject are reduced by at least about 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20%, 21%, 22%, 23%, 24%, 25%, 26%, 27%, 28%, 29%, 30%, 31%, 32%, 33%, 34%, 35%, 36%, 37%, 38%, 39%, 40%, 41%, 42%, 43%, 44%, 45%, 46%, 47%, 48%, 49%, 50%, 51%, 52%, 53%, 54%, 55%, 56%, 57%, 58%, 59%, 60%, 61%, 62%, 62%, 64%, 65%, 66%, 67%, 68%, 69%, 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or at least about 99% or more and, subsequently, an additional therapeutic (as described below) is administered to the subject.

The additional therapeutic may be an anti-complement component C5 antibody, or antigen-binding fragment or derivative thereof. In one embodiment, the anti-complement component C5 antibody is eculizumab (SOLIRIS®), or antigen-binding fragment or derivative thereof. Eculizumab is a humanized monoclonal IgG2/4, kappa light chain antibody that specifically binds complement component C5 with high affinity and inhibits cleavage of C5 to C5a and C5b, thereby inhibiting the generation of the terminal complement complex C5b-9. Eculizumab is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,355,245, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The methods of the invention comprising administration of an iRNA agent of the invention and eculizumab to a subject may further comprise administration of a meningococcal vaccine to the subject.

The additional therapeutic, e.g., eculizumab and/or a meningococcal vaccine, may be administered to the subject at the same time as the iRNA agent targeting C5 or at a different time.

Moreover, the additional therapeutic, e.g., eculizumab, may be administered to the subject in the same formulation as the iRNA agent targeting C5 or in a different formulation as the iRNA agent targeting C5.

Eculizumab dosage regimens are described in, for example, the product insert for eculizumab (SOLIRIS®) and in U.S. Patent Application No. 2012/0225056, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference. In exemplary methods of the invention for treating a complement component C5-associated disease, e.g., PNH or aHUS, an iRNA agent targeting C5 is administered (e.g., subcutaneously) to the subject first, such that the C5 levels in the subject are reduced (e.g., by at least about 20%, 21%, 22%, 23%, 24%, 25%, 26%, 27%, 28%, 29%, 30%, 31%, 32%, 33%, 34%, 35%, 36%, 37%, 38%, 39%, 40%, 41%, 42%, 43%, 44%, 45%, 46%, 47%, 48%, 49%, 50%, 51%, 52%, 53%, 54%, 55%, 56%, 57%, 58%, 59%, 60%, 61%, 62%, 62%, 64%, 65%, 66%, 67%, 68%, 69%, 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or at least about 99% or more) and subsequently eculizumab is administered at doses lower than the ones described in the product insert for SOLIRIS®. For example, eculizumab may be adminsitered to the subject weekly at a dose less than about 600 mg for 4 weeks followed by a fifth dose at about one week later of less than about 900 mg, followed by a dose less than about 900 mg about every two weeks thereafter. Eculizumab may also be administered to the subject weekly at a dose less than about 900 mg for 4 weeks followed by a fifth dose at about one week later of less than about 1200 mg, followed by a dose less than about 1200 mg about every two weeks thereafter. If the subject is less than 18 years of age, eculizumab may be administered to the subject weekly at a dose less than about 900 mg for 4 weeks followed by a fifth dose at about one week later of less than about 1200 mg, followed by a dose less than about 1200 mg about every two weeks thereafter; or if the subject is less than 18 years of age, eculizumab may be administered to the subject weekly at a dose less than about 600 mg for 2 weeks followed by a third dose at about one week later of less than about 900 mg, followed by a dose less than about 900 mg about every two weeks thereafter; or if the subject is less than 18 years of age, eculizumab may be administered to the subject weekly at a dose less than about 600 mg for 2 weeks followed by a third dose at about one week later of less than about 600 mg, followed by a dose less than about 600 mg about every two weeks thereafter; or if the subject is less than 18 years of age, eculizumab may be administered to the subject weekly at a dose less than about 600 mg for 1 week followed by a second dose at about one week later of less than about 300 mg, followed by a dose less than about 300 mg about every two weeks thereafter; or if the subject is less than 18 years of age, eculizumab may be administered to the subject weekly at a dose less than about 300 mg for 1 week followed by a second dose at about one week later of less than about 300 mg, followed by a dose less than about 300 mg about every two weeks thereafter. If the subject is receiving plamapheresis or plasma exchange, eculizumab may be administered to the subject at a dose less than about 300 mg (e.g., if the most recent does of eculizumab was about 300 mg) or less than about 600 mg (e.g., if the most recent does of eculizumab was about 600 mg or more). If the subject is receiving plasma infusion, eculizumab may be administered to the subject at a dose less than about 300 mg (e.g., if the most recent does of eculizumab was about 300 mg or more). The lower doses of eculizumab allow for either subcutaneous or intravenous administration of eculizumab.

In the combination therapies of the present invention comprising eculizumab, eculizumab may be adminisitered to the subject, e.g., subcutaneously, at a dose of about 0.01 mg/kg to about 10 mg/kg, or about 5 mg/kg to about 10 mg/kg, or about 0.5 mg/kg to about 15 mg/kg. For example, eculizumab may be administered to the subject, e.g., subcutaneously, at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg, 1 mg/kg, 1.5 mg/kg, 2 mg/kg, 2.5 mg/kg, 3 mg/kg, 3.5 mg/kg, 4 mg/kg, 4.5 mg/kg, 5 mg/kg, 5.5 mg/kg, 6 mg/kg, 6.5 mg/kg, 7 mg/kg, 7.5 mg/kg, 8 mg/kg, 8.5 mg/kg, 9 mg/kg, 9.5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, 10.5 mg/kg, 11 mg/kg, 11.5 mg/kg, 12 mg/kg, 12.5 mg/kg, 13 mg/kg, 13.5 mg/kg, 14 mg/kg, 14.5 mg/kg, or15 mg/kg.

The methods and uses of the invention include administering a composition described herein such that expression of the target C5 gene is decreased, such as for about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 16, 18, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, or about 80 hours. In one embodiment, expression of the target C5 gene is decreased for an extended duration, e.g., at least about two, three, four, five, six, seven days or more, e.g., about one week, two weeks, three weeks, or about four weeks or longer.

Administration of the dsRNA according to the methods and uses of the invention may result in a reduction of the severity, signs, symptoms, and/or markers of such diseases or disorders in a patient with a complement component C5-associated disease. By “reduction” in this context is meant a statistically significant decrease in such level. The reduction can be, for example, at least about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or about 100%.

Efficacy of treatment or prevention of disease can be assessed, for example by measuring disease progression, disease remission, symptom severity, reduction in pain, quality of life, dose of a medication required to sustain a treatment effect, level of a disease marker or any other measurable parameter appropriate for a given disease being treated or targeted for prevention. It is well within the ability of one skilled in the art to monitor efficacy of treatment or prevention by measuring any one of such parameters, or any combination of parameters. For example, efficacy of treatment of a hemolytic disorder may be assessed, for example, by periodic monitoring of LDH and CH₅₀ levels. Comparisons of the later readings with the initial readings provide a physician an indication of whether the treatment is effective. It is well within the ability of one skilled in the art to monitor efficacy of treatment or prevention by measuring any one of such parameters, or any combination of parameters. In connection with the administration of an iRNA targeting C5 or pharmaceutical composition thereof, “effective against” a complement component C5-associated disease indicates that administration in a clinically appropriate manner results in a beneficial effect for at least a statistically significant fraction of patients, such as improvement of symptoms, a cure, a reduction in disease, extension of life, improvement in quality of life, or other effect generally recognized as positive by medical doctors familiar with treating a complement component C5-associated disease and the related causes.

A treatment or preventive effect is evident when there is a statistically significant improvement in one or more parameters of disease status, or by a failure to worsen or to develop symptoms where they would otherwise be anticipated. As an example, a favorable change of at least 10% in a measurable parameter of disease, and preferably at least 20%, 30%, 40%, 50% or more can be indicative of effective treatment. Efficacy for a given iRNA drug or formulation of that drug can also be judged using an experimental animal model for the given disease as known in the art. When using an experimental animal model, efficacy of treatment is evidenced when a statistically significant reduction in a marker or symptom is observed.

Alternatively, the efficacy can be measured by a reduction in the severity of disease as determined by one skilled in the art of diagnosis based on a clinically accepted disease severity grading scale, as but one example the Rheumatoid Arthritis Severity Scale (RASS). Any positive change resulting in e.g., lessening of severity of disease measured using the appropriate scale, represents adequate treatment using an iRNA or iRNA formulation as described herein.

Subjects can be administered a therapeutic amount of iRNA, such as about 0.01 mg/kg, 0.02 mg/kg, 0.03 mg/kg, 0.04 mg/kg, 0.05 mg/kg, 0.1 mg/kg, 0.15 mg/kg, 0.2 mg/kg, 0.25 mg/kg, 0.3 mg/kg, 0.35 mg/kg, 0.4 mg/kg, 0.45 mg/kg, 0.5 mg/kg, 0.55 mg/kg, 0.6 mg/kg, 0.65 mg/kg, 0.7 mg/kg, 0.75 mg/kg, 0.8 mg/kg, 0.85 mg/kg, 0.9 mg/kg, 0.95 mg/kg, 1.0 mg/kg, 1.1 mg/kg, 1.2 mg/kg, 1.3 mg/kg, 1.4 mg/kg, 1.5 mg/kg, 1.6 mg/kg, 1.7 mg/kg, 1.8 mg/kg, 1.9 mg/kg, 2.0 mg/kg, 2.1 mg/kg, 2.2 mg/kg, 2.3 mg/kg, 2.4 mg/kg, 2.5 mg/kg dsRNA, 2.6 mg/kg dsRNA, 2.7 mg/kg dsRNA, 2.8 mg/kg dsRNA, 2.9 mg/kg dsRNA, 3.0 mg/kg dsRNA, 3.1 mg/kg dsRNA, 3.2 mg/kg dsRNA, 3.3 mg/kg dsRNA, 3.4 mg/kg dsRNA, 3.5 mg/kg dsRNA, 3.6 mg/kg dsRNA, 3.7 mg/kg dsRNA, 3.8 mg/kg dsRNA, 3.9 mg/kg dsRNA, 4.0 mg/kg dsRNA, 4.1 mg/kg dsRNA, 4.2 mg/kg dsRNA, 4.3 mg/kg dsRNA, 4.4 mg/kg dsRNA, 4.5 mg/kg dsRNA, 4.6 mg/kg dsRNA, 4.7 mg/kg dsRNA, 4.8 mg/kg dsRNA, 4.9 mg/kg dsRNA, 5.0 mg/kg dsRNA, 5.1 mg/kg dsRNA, 5.2 mg/kg dsRNA, 5.3 mg/kg dsRNA, 5.4 mg/kg dsRNA, 5.5 mg/kg dsRNA, 5.6 mg/kg dsRNA, 5.7 mg/kg dsRNA, 5.8 mg/kg dsRNA, 5.9 mg/kg dsRNA, 6.0 mg/kg dsRNA, 6.1 mg/kg dsRNA, 6.2 mg/kg dsRNA, 6.3 mg/kg dsRNA, 6.4 mg/kg dsRNA, 6.5 mg/kg dsRNA, 6.6 mg/kg dsRNA, 6.7 mg/kg dsRNA, 6.8 mg/kg dsRNA, 6.9 mg/kg dsRNA, 7.0 mg/kg dsRNA, 7.1 mg/kg dsRNA, 7.2 mg/kg dsRNA, 7.3 mg/kg dsRNA, 7.4 mg/kg dsRNA, 7.5 mg/kg dsRNA, 7.6 mg/kg dsRNA, 7.7 mg/kg dsRNA, 7.8 mg/kg dsRNA, 7.9 mg/kg dsRNA, 8.0 mg/kg dsRNA, 8.1 mg/kg dsRNA, 8.2 mg/kg dsRNA, 8.3 mg/kg dsRNA, 8.4 mg/kg dsRNA, 8.5 mg/kg dsRNA, 8.6 mg/kg dsRNA, 8.7 mg/kg dsRNA, 8.8 mg/kg dsRNA, 8.9 mg/kg dsRNA, 9.0 mg/kg dsRNA, 9.1 mg/kg dsRNA, 9.2 mg/kg dsRNA, 9.3 mg/kg dsRNA, 9.4 mg/kg dsRNA, 9.5 mg/kg dsRNA, 9.6 mg/kg dsRNA, 9.7 mg/kg dsRNA, 9.8 mg/kg dsRNA, 9.9 mg/kg dsRNA, 9.0 mg/kg dsRNA, 10 mg/kg dsRNA, 15 mg/kg dsRNA, 20 mg/kg dsRNA, 25 mg/kg dsRNA, 30 mg/kg dsRNA, 35 mg/kg dsRNA, 40 mg/kg dsRNA, 45 mg/kg dsRNA, or about 50 mg/kg dsRNA. Values and ranges intermediate to the recited values are also intended to be part of this invention.

In certain embodiments, for example, when a composition of the invention comprises a dsRNA as described herein and a lipid, subjects can be administered a therapeutic amount of iRNA, such as about 0.01 mg/kg to about 5 mg/kg, about 0.01 mg/kg to about 10 mg/kg, about 0.05 mg/kg to about 5 mg/kg, about 0.05 mg/kg to about 10 mg/kg, about 0.1 mg/kg to about 5 mg/kg, about 0.1 mg/kg to about 10 mg/kg, about 0.2 mg/kg to about 5 mg/kg, about 0.2 mg/kg to about 10 mg/kg, about 0.3 mg/kg to about 5 mg/kg, about 0.3 mg/kg to about 10 mg/kg, about 0.4 mg/kg to about 5 mg/kg, about 0.4 mg/kg to about 10 mg/kg, about 0.5 mg/kg to about 5 mg/kg, about 0.5 mg/kg to about 10 mg/kg, about 1 mg/kg to about 5 mg/kg, about 1 mg/kg to about 10 mg/kg, about 1.5 mg/kg to about 5 mg/kg, about 1.5 mg/kg to about 10 mg/kg, about 2 mg/kg to about 2.5 mg/kg, about 2 mg/kg to about 10 mg/kg, about 3 mg/kg to about 5 mg/kg, about 3 mg/kg to about 10 mg/kg, about 3.5 mg/kg to about 5 mg/kg, about 4 mg/kg to about 5 mg/kg, about 4.5 mg/kg to about 5 mg/kg, about 4 mg/kg to about 10 mg/kg, about 4.5 mg/kg to about 10 mg/kg, about 5 mg/kg to about 10 mg/kg, about 5.5 mg/kg to about 10 mg/kg, about 6 mg/kg to about 10 mg/kg, about 6.5 mg/kg to about 10 mg/kg, about 7 mg/kg to about 10 mg/kg, about 7.5 mg/kg to about 10 mg/kg, about 8 mg/kg to about 10 mg/kg, about 8.5 mg/kg to about 10 mg/kg, about 9 mg/kg to about 10 mg/kg, or about 9.5 mg/kg to about 10 mg/kg. Values and ranges intermediate to the recited values are also intended to be part of this invention.

For example, the dsRNA may be administered at a dose of about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, 6, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9, 7, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9, 8, 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.6, 8.7, 8.8, 8.9, 9, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.8, 9.9, or about 10 mg/kg. Values and ranges intermediate to the recited values are also intended to be part of this invention.

In other embodiments, for example, when a composition of the invention comprises a dsRNA as described herein and an N-acetylgalactosamine, subjects can be administered a therapeutic amount of iRNA, such as a dose of about 0.1 to about 50 mg/kg, about 0.25 to about 50 mg/kg, about 0.5 to about 50 mg/kg, about 0.75 to about 50 mg/kg, about 1 to about 50 mg/mg, about 1.5 to about 50 mg/kb, about 2 to about 50 mg/kg, about 2.5 to about 50 mg/kg, about 3 to about 50 mg/kg, about 3.5 to about 50 mg/kg, about 4 to about 50 mg/kg, about 4.5 to about 50 mg/kg, about 5 to about 50 mg/kg, about 7.5 to about 50 mg/kg, about 10 to about 50 mg/kg, about 15 to about 50 mg/kg, about 20 to about 50 mg/kg, about 20 to about 50 mg/kg, about 25 to about 50 mg/kg, about 25 to about 50 mg/kg, about 30 to about 50 mg/kg, about 35 to about 50 mg/kg, about 40 to about 50 mg/kg, about 45 to about 50 mg/kg, about 0.1 to about 45 mg/kg, about 0.25 to about 45 mg/kg, about 0.5 to about 45 mg/kg, about 0.75 to about 45 mg/kg, about 1 to about 45 mg/mg, about 1.5 to about 45 mg/kb, about 2 to about 45 mg/kg, about 2.5 to about 45 mg/kg, about 3 to about 45 mg/kg, about 3.5 to about 45 mg/kg, about 4 to about 45 mg/kg, about 4.5 to about 45 mg/kg, about 5 to about 45 mg/kg, about 7.5 to about 45 mg/kg, about 10 to about 45 mg/kg, about 15 to about 45 mg/kg, about 20 to about 45 mg/kg, about 20 to about 45 mg/kg, about 25 to about 45 mg/kg, about 25 to about 45 mg/kg, about 30 to about 45 mg/kg, about 35 to about 45 mg/kg, about 40 to about 45 mg/kg, about 0.1 to about 40 mg/kg, about 0.25 to about 40 mg/kg, about 0.5 to about 40 mg/kg, about 0.75 to about 40 mg/kg, about 1 to about 40 mg/mg, about 1.5 to about 40 mg/kb, about 2 to about 40 mg/kg, about 2.5 to about 40 mg/kg, about 3 to about 40 mg/kg, about 3.5 to about 40 mg/kg, about 4 to about 40 mg/kg, about 4.5 to about 40 mg/kg, about 5 to about 40 mg/kg, about 7.5 to about 40 mg/kg, about 10 to about 40 mg/kg, about 15 to about 40 mg/kg, about 20 to about 40 mg/kg, about 20 to about 40 mg/kg, about 25 to about 40 mg/kg, about 25 to about 40 mg/kg, about 30 to about 40 mg/kg, about 35 to about 40 mg/kg, about 0.1 to about 30 mg/kg, about 0.25 to about 30 mg/kg, about 0.5 to about 30 mg/kg, about 0.75 to about 30 mg/kg, about 1 to about 30 mg/mg, about 1.5 to about 30 mg/kb, about 2 to about 30 mg/kg, about 2.5 to about 30 mg/kg, about 3 to about 30 mg/kg, about 3.5 to about 30 mg/kg, about 4 to about 30 mg/kg, about 4.5 to about 30 mg/kg, about 5 to about 30 mg/kg, about 7.5 to about 30 mg/kg, about 10 to about 30 mg/kg, about 15 to about 30 mg/kg, about 20 to about 30 mg/kg, about 20 to about 30 mg/kg, about 25 to about 30 mg/kg, about 0.1 to about 20 mg/kg, about 0.25 to about 20 mg/kg, about 0.5 to about 20 mg/kg, about 0.75 to about 20 mg/kg, about 1 to about 20 mg/mg, about 1.5 to about 20 mg/kb, about 2 to about 20 mg/kg, about 2.5 to about 20 mg/kg, about 3 to about 20 mg/kg, about 3.5 to about 20 mg/kg, about 4 to about 20 mg/kg, about 4.5 to about 20 mg/kg, about 5 to about 20 mg/kg, about 7.5 to about 20 mg/kg, about 10 to about 20 mg/kg, or about 15 to about 20 mg/kg. In one embodiment, when a composition of the invention comprises a dsRNA as described herein and an N-acetylgalactosamine, subjects can be administered a therapeutic amount of about 10 to about 30 mg/kg of dsRNA. Values and ranges intermediate to the recited values are also intended to be part of this invention.

For example, subjects can be administered a therapeutic amount of iRNA, such as about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, 6, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9, 7, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9, 8, 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.6, 8.7, 8.8, 8.9, 9, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.8, 9.9, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 12.5, 13, 13.5, 14, 14.5, 15, 15.5, 16, 16.5, 17, 17.5, 18, 18.5, 19, 19.5, 20, 20.5, 21, 21.5, 22, 22.5, 23, 23.5, 24, 24.5, 25, 25.5, 26, 26.5, 27, 27.5, 28, 28.5, 29, 29.5, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, or about 50 mg/kg. Values and ranges intermediate to the recited values are also intended to be part of this invention.

The iRNA can be administered by intravenous infusion over a period of time, such as over a 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, or about a 25 minute period. The administration may be repeated, for example, on a regular basis, such as weekly, biweekly (i.e., every two weeks) for one month, two months, three months, four months or longer. After an initial treatment regimen, the treatments can be administered on a less frequent basis. For example, after administration weekly or biweekly for three months, administration can be repeated once per month, for six months or a year or longer.

Administration of the iRNA can reduce C5 levels, e.g., in a cell, tissue, blood, urine or other compartment of the patient by at least about 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20%, 21%, 22%, 23%, 24%, 25%, 26%, 27%, 28%, 29%, 30%, 31%, 32%, 33%, 34%, 35%, 36%, 37%, 38%, 39%, 40%, 41%, 42%, 43%, 44%, 45%, 46%, 47%, 48%, 49%, 50%, 51%, 52%, 53%, 54%, 55%, 56%, 57%, 58%, 59%, 60%, 61%, 62%, 63%, 64%, 65%, 66%, 67%, 68%, 69%, 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or at least about 99% or more.

Before administration of a full dose of the iRNA, patients can be administered a smaller dose, such as a 5% infusion, and monitored for adverse effects, such as an allergic reaction. In another example, the patient can be monitored for unwanted immunostimulatory effects, such as increased cytokine (e.g., TNF-alpha or INF-alpha) levels.

Owing to the inhibitory effects on C5 expression, a composition according to the invention or a pharmaceutical composition prepared therefrom can enhance the quality of life.

An iRNA of the invention may be administered in “naked” form, or as a “free iRNA.” A naked iRNA is administered in the absence of a pharmaceutical composition. The naked iRNA may be in a suitable buffer solution. The buffer solution may comprise acetate, citrate, prolamine, carbonate, or phosphate, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the buffer solution is phosphate buffered saline (PBS). The pH and osmolarity of the buffer solution containing the iRNA can be adjusted such that it is suitable for administering to a subject.

Alternatively, an iRNA of the invention may be administered as a pharmaceutical composition, such as a dsRNA liposomal formulation.

Subjects that would benefit from a reduction and/or inhibition of C5 gene expression are those having a complement component C5-associated disease or disorder as described herein. In one embodiment, a subject having a complement component C5-associated disease has paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). In another embodiment, a subject having a complement component C5-associated disease has asthma. In another embodiment, a subject having a complement component C5-associated disease has rheumatoid arthritis. In yet another embodiment, a subject having a complement component C5-associated disease has systemic lupus erythmatosis. In one embodiment, a subject having a complement component C5-associated disease has glomerulonephritis. In another embodiment, a subject having a complement component C5-associated disease has psoriasis. In yet another embodiment, a subject having a complement component C5-associated disease has dermatomyositis bullous pemphigoid. In one embodiment, a subject having a complement component C5-associated disease has atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome. In another embodiment, a subject having a complement component C5-associated disease has Shiga toxin E. coli-related hemolytic uremic syndrome. In anothre embodiment, a subject having a complement component C5-associated disease has myasthenia gravis. In yet another embodiment, a subject having a complement component C5-associated disease has neuromyelistis optica. In one embodiment, a subject having a complement component C5-associated disease has dense deposit disease. In one embodiment, a subject having a complement component C5-associated disease has C3 neuropathy. In another embodiment, a subject having a complement component C5-associated disease has age-related macular degeneration. In another embodiment, a subject having a complement component C5-associated disease has cold agglutinin disease. In one embodiment, a subject having a complement component C5-associated disease has anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis. In another embodiment, a subject having a complement component C5-associated disease has humoral and vascular transplant rejection. In one embodiment, a subject having a complement component C5-associated disease has graft dysfunction. In one embodiment, a subject having a complement component C5-associated disease has had a myocardial infarction. In another embodiment, a subject having a complement component C5-associated disease is a sensitized recipient of a transplant. In yet another embodiment, a subject having a complement component C5-associated disease has sepsis.

Treatment of a subject that would benefit from a reduction and/or inhibition of C5 gene expression includes therapeutic and prophylactic (e.g., the subject is to undergo sensitized (or allogenic) transplant surgery) treatment.

The invention further provides methods and uses of an iRNA agent or a pharmaceutical composition thereof (including methods and uses of an iRNA agent or a pharmaceutical composition comprising an iRNA agent and an anti-complement component C5 antibody, or antigen-bidning fragment thereof) for treating a subject that would benefit from reduction and/or inhibition of C5 expression, e.g., a subject having a complement component C5-associated disease, in combination with other pharmaceuticals and/or other therapeutic methods, e.g., with known pharmaceuticals and/or known therapeutic methods, such as, for example, those which are currently employed for treating these disorders. For example, in certain embodiments, an iRNA targeting C5 is administered in combination with, e.g., an agent useful in treating a complement component C5-associated disease as described elsewhere herein.

For example, additional therapeutics and therapeutic methods suitable for treating a subject that would benefit from reducton in C5 expression, e.g., a subject having a complement component C5-associated disease, include plasmaphoresis, thrombolytic therapy (e.g., streptokinase), antiplatelet agents, folic acid, corticosteroids; immunosuppressive agents; estrogens, methotrexate, azathioprine sulphasalazine, mesalazine, olsalazine, chloroquinine/hydroxychloroquine, pencillamine, aurothiomalate (intramuscular and oral), azathioprine, cochicine, corticosteroids (oral, inhaled and local injection), beta-2 adrenoreceptor agonists (salbutamol, terbutaline, salmeteral), xanthines (theophylline, aminophylline), cromoglycate, nedocromil, ketotifen, ipratropium and oxitropium, cyclosporin, FK506, rapamycin, mycophenolate mofetil, leflunomide, NSAIDs, for example, ibuprofen, corticosteroids such as prednisolone, phosphodiesterase inhibitors, adensosine agonists, antithrombotic agents, complement inhibitors, adrenergic agents, agents which interfere with signalling by proinflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α or IL-1 (e.g., IRAK, NIK, IKK, p38 or MAP kinase inhibitors), IL-1β converting enzyme inhibitors, TNFα converting enzyme (TACE) inhibitors, T-cell signalling inhibitors, such as kinase inhibitors, metalloproteinase inhibitors, sulfasalazine, azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurines, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, soluble cytokine receptors and derivatives thereof (e.g., soluble p55 or p75 TNF receptors and the derivatives p75TNFRIgG (Enbrel™ and p55TNFRIgG (Lenercept)), sIL-1RI, sIL-1RII, and sIL-6R), antiinflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-4, IL-10, IL-11, IL-13 and TGFβ), celecoxib, folic acid, hydroxychloroquine sulfate, rofecoxib, etanercept, infliximonoclonal antibody, naproxen, valdecoxib, sulfasalazine, methylprednisolone, meloxicam, methylprednisolone acetate, gold sodium thiomalate, aspirin, triamcinolone acetonide, propoxyphene napsylate/apap, folate, nabumetone, diclofenac, piroxicam, etodolac, diclofenac sodium, oxaprozin, oxycodone hcl, hydrocodone bitartrate/apap, diclofenac sodium/misoprostol, fentanyl, anakinra, human recombinant, tramadol hcl, salsalate, sulindac, cyanocobalamin/fa/pyridoxine, acetaminophen, alendronate sodium, prednisolone, morphine sulfate, lidocaine hydrochloride, indomethacin, glucosamine sulf/chondroitin, amitriptyline hcl, sulfadiazine, oxycodone hcl/acetaminophen, olopatadine hcl, misoprostol, naproxen sodium, omeprazole, cyclophosphamide, rituximonoclonal antibody, IL-1 TRAP, MRA, CTLA4-IG, IL-18 BP, anti-IL-18, Anti-IL15, BIRB-796, SCIO-469, VX-702, AMG-548, VX-740, Roflumilast, IC-485, CDC-801, Mesopram, cyclosporine, cytokine suppressive anti-inflammatory drug(s) (CSAIDs); CDP-571/BAY-10-3356 (humanized anti-TNFα antibody; Celltech/Bayer); cA2/infliximonoclonal antibody (chimeric anti-TNFα antibody; Centocor); 75 kdTNFR-IgG/etanercept (75 kD TNF receptor-IgG fusion protein; Immunex; see e.g., (1994) Arthr. Rheum. 37: 5295; (1996) J. Invest. Med. 44: 235A); 55 kdTNF-IgG (55 kD TNF receptor-IgG fusion protein; Hoffmann-LaRoche); IDEC-CE9.1/SB 210396 (non-depleting primatized anti-CD4 antibody; IDEC/SmithKline; see e.g., (1995) Arthr. Rheum. 38: S185); DAB 486-IL-2 and/or DAB 389-IL-2 (IL-2 fusion proteins; Seragen; see e.g., (1993) Arthrit. Rheum. 36: 1223); Anti-Tac (humanized anti-IL-2Rα; Protein Design Labs/Roche); IL-4 (anti-inflammatory cytokine; DNAX/Schering); IL-10 (SCH 52000; recombinant IL-10, anti-inflammatory cytokine; DNAX/Schering); IL-4; IL-10 and/or IL-4 agonists (e.g., agonist antibodies); IL-1RA (IL-1 receptor antagonist; Synergen/Amgen); anakinra (Kineret®/Amgen); TNF-bp/s-TNF (soluble TNF binding protein; see e.g., (1996) Arthr. Rheum. 39(9 (supplement)): S284; (1995) Amer. J. Physiol.—Heart and Circ. Physiol. 268: 37-42); R973401 (phosphodiesterase Type IV inhibitor; see e.g., (1996) Arthr. Rheum. 39(9 (supplement): S282); MK-966 (COX-2 Inhibitor; see e.g., (1996) Arthr. Rheum. 39(9 (supplement): S81); Iloprost (see e.g., (1996) Arthr. Rheum. 39(9 (supplement): S82); methotrexate; thalidomide (see e.g., (1996) Arthr. Rheum. 39(9 (supplement): S282) and thalidomide-related drugs (e.g., Celgen); leflunomide (anti-inflammatory and cytokine inhibitor; see e.g., (1996) Arthr. Rheum. 39(9 (supplement): S131; (1996) Inflamm. Res. 45: 103-107); tranexamic acid (inhibitor of plasminogen activation; see e.g., (1996) Arthr. Rheum. 39(9 (supplement): S284); T-614 (cytokine inhibitor; see e.g., (1996) Arthr. Rheum. 39(9 (supplement): S282); prostaglandin E1 (see e.g., (1996) Arthr. Rheum. 39(9 (supplement): S282); Tenidap (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug; see e.g., (1996) Arthr. Rheum. 39(9 (supplement): S280); Naproxen (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug; see e.g., (1996) Neuro. Report 7: 1209-1213); Meloxicam (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug); Ibuprofen (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug); Piroxicam (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug); Diclofenac (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug); Indomethacin (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug); Sulfasalazine (see e.g., (1996) Arthr. Rheum. 39(9 (supplement): S281); Azathioprine (see e.g., (1996) Arthr. Rheum. 39(9 (supplement): S281); ICE inhibitor (inhibitor of the enzyme interleukin-1β converting enzyme); zap-70 and/or lck inhibitor (inhibitor of the tyrosine kinase zap-70 or lck); VEGF inhibitor and/or VEGF-R inhibitor (inhibitors of vascular endothelial cell growth factor or vascular endothelial cell growth factor receptor; inhibitors of angiogenesis); corticosteroid anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., SB203580); TNF-convertase inhibitors; anti-IL-12 antibodies; anti-IL-18 antibodies; interleukin-11 (see e.g., (1996) Arthr. Rheum. 39(9 (supplement): S296); interleukin-13 (see e.g., (1996) Arthr. Rheum. 39(9 (supplement): S308); interleukin-17 inhibitors (see e.g., (1996) Arthr. Rheum. 39(9 (supplement): S120); gold; penicillamine; chloroquine; chlorambucil; hydroxychloroquine; cyclosporine; cyclophosphamide; total lymphoid irradiation; anti-thymocyte globulin; anti-CD4 antibodies; CD5-toxins; orally-administered peptides and collagen; lobenzarit disodium; Cytokine Regulating Agents (CRAs) HP228 and HP466 (Houghten Pharmaceuticals, Inc.); ICAM-1 antisense phosphorothioate oligo-deoxynucleotides (ISIS 2302; Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.); soluble complement receptor 1 (TP10; T Cell Sciences, Inc.); prednisone; orgotein; glycosaminoglycan polysulphate; minocycline; anti-IL2R antibodies; marine and botanical lipids (fish and plant seed fatty acids; see e.g., DeLuca et al. (1995) Rheum. Dis. Clin. North Am. 21: 759-777); auranofin; phenylbutazone; meclofenamic acid; flufenamic acid; intravenous immune globulin; zileuton; azaribine; mycophenolic acid (RS-61443); tacrolimus (FK-506); sirolimus (rapamycin); amiprilose (therafectin); cladribine (2-chlorodeoxyadenosine); methotrexate; bcl-2 inhibitors (see Bruncko, M. et al. (2007) J. Med. Chem. 50(4): 641-662); antivirals and immune-modulating agents, small molecule inhibitor of KDR, small molecule inhibitor of Tie-2; methotrexate; prednisone; celecoxib; folic acid; hydroxychloroquine sulfate; rofecoxib; etanercept; infliximonoclonal antibody; leflunomide; naproxen; valdecoxib; sulfasalazine; methylprednisolone; ibuprofen; meloxicam; methylprednisolone acetate; gold sodium thiomalate; aspirin; azathioprine; triamcinolone acetonide; propxyphene napsylate/apap; folate; nabumetone; diclofenac; piroxicam; etodolac; diclofenac sodium; oxaprozin; oxycodone hcl; hydrocodone bitartrate/apap; diclofenac sodium/misoprostol; fentanyl; anakinra, human recombinant; tramadol hcl; salsalate; sulindac; cyanocobalamin/fa/pyridoxine; acetaminophen; alendronate sodium; prednisolone; morphine sulfate; lidocaine hydrochloride; indomethacin; glucosamine sulfate/chondroitin; cyclosporine; amitriptyline hcl; sulfadiazine; oxycodone hcl/acetaminophen; olopatadine hcl; misoprostol; naproxen sodium; omeprazole; mycophenolate mofetil; cyclophosphamide; rituximonoclonal antibody; IL-1 TRAP; MRA; CTLA4-IG; IL-18 BP; IL-12/23; anti-IL 18; anti-IL 15; BIRB-796; SC10-469; VX-702; AMG-548; VX-740; Roflumilast; IC-485; CDC-801; mesopram, albuterol, salmeterol/fluticasone, montelukast sodium, fluticasone propionate, budesonide, prednisone, salmeterol xinafoate, levalbuterol hcl, albuterol sulfate/ipratropium, prednisolone sodium phosphate, triamcinolone acetonide, beclomethasone dipropionate, ipratropium bromide, azithromycin, pirbuterol acetate, prednisolone, theophylline anhydrous, methylprednisolone sodium succinate, clarithromycin, zafirlukast, formoterol fumarate, influenza virus vaccine, methylprednisolone, amoxicillin trihydrate, flunisolide, allergy injection, cromolyn sodium, fexofenadine hydrochloride, flunisolide/menthol, amoxicillin/clavulanate, levofloxacin, inhaler assist device, guaifenesin, dexamethasone sodium phosphate, moxifloxacin hcl, doxycycline hyclate, guaifenesin/d-methorphan, p-ephedrine/cod/chlorphenir, gatifloxacin, cetirizine hydrochloride, mometasone furoate, salmeterol xinafoate, benzonatate, cephalexin, pe/hydrocodone/chlorphenir, cetirizine hcl/pseudoephed, phenylephrine/cod/promethazine, codeine/promethazine, cefprozil, dexamethasone, guaifenesin/pseudoephedrine, chlorpheniramine/hydrocodone, nedocromil sodium, terbutaline sulfate, epinephrine, methylprednisolone, metaproterenol sulfate, aspirin, nitroglycerin, metoprolol tartrate, enoxaparin sodium, heparin sodium, clopidogrel bisulfate, carvedilol, atenolol, morphine sulfate, metoprolol succinate, warfarin sodium, lisinopril, isosorbide mononitrate, digoxin, furosemide, simvastatin, ramipril, tenecteplase, enalapril maleate, torsemide, retavase, losartan potassium, quinapril hcl/mag carb, bumetanide, alteplase, enalaprilat, amiodarone hydrochloride, tirofiban hcl m-hydrate, diltiazem hydrochloride, captopril, irbesartan, valsartan, propranolol hydrochloride, fosinopril sodium, lidocaine hydrochloride, eptifibatide, cefazolin sodium, atropine sulfate, aminocaproic acid, spironolactone, interferon, sotalol hydrochloride, potassium chloride, docusate sodium, dobutamine hcl, alprazolam, pravastatin sodium, atorvastatin calcium, midazolam hydrochloride, meperidine hydrochloride, isosorbide dinitrate, epinephrine, dopamine hydrochloride, bivalirudin, rosuvastatin, ezetimibe/simvastatin, avasimibe, and cariporide.

The iRNA agent (and/or an anti-complement component C5 antibody) and an additional therapeutic agent and/or treatment may be administered at the same time and/or in the same combination, e.g., parenterally, or the additional therapeutic agent can be administered as part of a separate composition or at separate times and/or by another method known in the art or described herein.

The present invention also provides methods of using an iRNA agent of the invention and/or a composition containing an iRNA agent of the invention to reduce and/or inhibit complement component C5 expression in a cell. In other aspects, the present invention provides an iRNA of the invention and/or a composition comprising an iRNA of the invention for use in reducing and/or inhibiting C5 expression in a cell. In yet other aspects, use of an iRNA of the invention and/or a composition comprising an iRNA of the invention for the manufactuire of a medicament for reducing and/or inhibiting C5 expression in a cell are provided.

The methods and uses include contacting the cell with an iRNA, e.g., a dsRNA, of the invention and maintaining the cell for a time sufficient to obtain degradation of the mRNA transcript of a C5 gene, thereby inhibiting expression of the C5 gene in the cell.

Reduction in gene expression can be assessed by any methods known in the art. For example, a reduction in the expression of C5 may be determined by determining the mRNA expression level of C5 using methods routine to one of ordinary skill in the art, e.g., Northern blotting, qRT-PCR, by determining the protein level of C5 using methods routine to one of ordinary skill in the art, such as Western blotting, immunological techniques, flow cytometry methods, ELISA, and/or by determining a biological activity of C5, such as CH₅₀ or AH₅₀ hemolysis assay, and/or by determining the biological activity of one or more molecules associated with the complement system, e.g., C5 products, such as C5a and C5b (or, in an in vivo setting, e.g., hemolysis).

In the methods and uses of the invention the cell may be contacted in vitro or in vivo, i.e., the cell may be within a subject. In embodiments of the invention in which the cell is within a subject, the methods may include further contacting the cell with an anti-complement component C5 antibody, e.g., eculizumab.

A cell suitable for treatment using the methods of the invention may be any cell that expresses a C5 gene. A cell suitable for use in the methods and uses of the invention may be a mammalian cell, e.g., a primate cell (such as a human cell or a non-human primate cell, e.g., a monkey cell or a chimpanzee cell), a non-primate cell (such as a cow cell, a pig cell, a camel cell, a llama cell, a horse cell, a goat cell, a rabbit cell, a sheep cell, a hamster, a guinea pig cell, a cat cell, a dog cell, a rat cell, a mouse cell, a lion cell, a tiger cell, a bear cell, or a buffalo cell), a bird cell (e.g., a duck cell or a goose cell), or a whale cell. In one embodiment, the cell is a human cell, e.g., a human liver cell.

C5 expression may be inhibited in the cell by at least about 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20%, 21%, 22%, 23%, 24%, 25%, 26%, 27%, 28%, 29%, 30%, 31%, 32%, 33%, 34%, 35%, 36%, 37%, 38%, 39%, 40%, 41%, 42%, 43%, 44%, 45%, 46%, 47%, 48%, 49%, 50%, 51%, 52%, 53%, 54%, 55%, 56%, 57%, 58%, 59%, 60%, 61%, 62%, 63%, 64%, 65%, 66%, 67%, 68%, 69%, 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or about 100%.

The in vivo methods and uses of the invention may include administering to a subject a composition containing an iRNA, where the iRNA includes a nucleotide sequence that is complementary to at least a part of an RNA transcript of the C5 gene of the mammal to be treated. When the organism to be treated is a mammal such as a human, the composition can be administered by any means known in the art including, but not limited to subcutaneous, intravenous, oral, intraperitoneal, or parenteral routes, including intracranial (e.g., intraventricular, intraparenchymal and intrathecal), intramuscular, transdermal, airway (aerosol), nasal, rectal, and topical (including buccal and sublingual) administration. In certain embodiments, the compositions are administered by subcutaneous or intravenous infusion or injection.

In some embodiments, the administration is via a depot injection. A depot injection may release the iRNA in a consistent way over a prolonged time period. Thus, a depot injection may reduce the frequency of dosing needed to obtain a desired effect, e.g., a desired inhibition of C5, or a therapeutic or prophylactic effect. A depot injection may also provide more consistent serum concentrations. Depot injections may include subcutaneous injections or intramuscular injections. In preferred embodiments, the depot injection is a subcutaneous injection.

In some embodiments, the administration is via a pump. The pump may be an external pump or a surgically implanted pump. In certain embodiments, the pump is a subcutaneously implanted osmotic pump. In other embodiments, the pump is an infusion pump. An infusion pump may be used for intravenous, subcutaneous, arterial, or epidural infusions. In preferred embodiments, the infusion pump is a subcutaneous infusion pump. In other embodiments, the pump is a surgically implanted pump that delivers the iRNA to the liver.

The mode of administration may be chosen based upon whether local or systemic treatment is desired and based upon the area to be treated. The route and site of administration may be chosen to enhance targeting.

In one aspect, the present invention also provides methods for inhibiting the expression of a C5 gene in a mammal, e.g., a human. The present invention also provides a composition comprising an iRNA, e.g., a dsRNA, that targets a C5 gene in a cell of a mammal for use in inhibiting expression of the C5 gene in the mammal. In another aspect, the present invention provides use of an iRNA, e.g., a dsRNA, that targets a C5 gene in a cell of a mammal in the manufacture of a medicament for inhibiting expression of the C5 gene in the mammal.

The methods and uses include administering to the mammal, e.g., a human, a composition comprising an iRNA, e.g., a dsRNA, that targets a C5 gene in a cell of the mammal and maintaining the mammal for a time sufficient to obtain degradation of the mRNA transcript of the C5 gene, thereby inhibiting expression of the C5 gene in the mammal. In some embodiment, the methods further comprise administering an anti-complement component C5 antibody, e.g., eculizumab, to the subject.

Reduction in gene expression can be assessed by any methods known it the art and by methods, e.g. qRT-PCR, described herein. Reduction in protein production can be assessed by any methods known it the art and by methods, e.g., ELISA or Western blotting, described herein. In one embodiment, a puncture liver biopsy sample serves as the tissue material for monitoring the reduction in C5 gene and/or protein expression. In another embodiment, a blood sample serves as the tissue material for monitoring the reduction in C5 gene and/or protein expression. In other embodiments, inhibition of the expression of a C5 gene is monitored indirectly by, for example, determining the expression and/or activity of a gene in a C5 pathway, including, for example, C5a, C5b, and soluble C5b-9 (see, e.g., FIG. 1 ). For example, the activity of CD59 may be monitored to determine the inhibition of expression of a C5 gene. CH₅₀, AH₅₀, clot formation and/or serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), in a sample, e.g., a blood or liver sample, may also be measured. Suitable assays are further described in the Examples section below.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the iRNAs and methods featured in the invention, suitable methods and materials are described below. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

EXAMPLES Example 1. iRNA Synthesis

Source of Reagents

Where the source of a reagent is not specifically given herein, such reagent can be obtained from any supplier of reagents for molecular biology at a quality/purity standard for application in molecular biology.

Transcripts

siRNA design was carried out to identify siRNAs targeting human, rhesus (Macaca mulatta), mouse, and rat C5 transcripts annotated in the NCBI Gene database (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene/). Design used the following transcripts from the NCBI RefSeq collection: Human—NM_001735.2; Rhesus—XM_001095750.2; Mouse—NM_010406.2; Rat—XM_345342.4. SiRNA duplexes were designed in several separate batches, including but not limited to batches containing duplexes matching human and rhesus transcripts only; human, rhesus, and mouse transcripts only; human, rhesus, mouse, and rat transcripts only; and mouse and rat transcripts only. All siRNA duplexes were designed that shared 100% identity with the listed human transcript and other species transcripts considered in each design batch (above).

siRNA Design, Specificity, and Efficacy Prediction

The predicted specificity of all possible 19mers was predicted from each sequence. Candidate 19mers were then selected that lacked repeats longer than 7 nucleotides. These 2971 candidate human/rhesus, 142 human/rhesus/mouse, 54 human/rhesus/mouse/rat, and 807 mouse/rat siRNAs were used in comprehensive searches against the appropriate transcriptomes (defined as the set of NM_ and XM_ records within the human, rhesus, dog, mouse, or rat NCBI Refseq sets) using an exhaustive “brute-force” algorithm implemented in the python script ‘BruteForce.py’. The script next parsed the transcript-oligo alignments to generate a score based on the position and number of mismatches between the siRNA and any potential ‘off-target’ transcript. The off-target score is weighted to emphasize differences in the ‘seed’ region of siRNAs, in positions 2-9 from the 5′-end of the molecule.

Each oligo-transcript pair from the brute-force search was given a mismatch score by summing the individual mismatch scores; mismatches in the position 2-9 were counted as 2.8, mismatches in the cleavage site positions 10-11 were counted as 1.2, and mismatches in region 12-19 counted as 1.0. An additional off-target prediction was carried out by comparing the frequency of heptamers and octomers derived from 3 distinct, seed-derived hexamers of each oligo. The hexamers from positions 2-7 relative to the 5′ start were used to create 2 heptamers and one octamer. ‘Heptamer1’ was created by adding a 3′-A to the hexamer; heptamer2 was created by adding a 5′-A to the hexamer; the octomer was created by adding an A to both 5′- and 3′-ends of the hexamer. The frequency of octamers and heptamers in the human, rhesus, mouse, or rat 3′-UTRome (defined as the subsequence of the transcriptome from NCBI's Refseq database where the end of the coding region, the ‘CDS’, is clearly defined) was pre-calculated. The octamer frequency was normalized to the heptamer frequency using the median value from the range of octamer frequencies. A ‘mirSeedScore’ was then calculated by calculating the sum of ((3× normalized octamer count)+(2× heptamer2 count)+(1× heptamer1 count)).

Both siRNAs strands were assigned to a category of specificity according to the calculated scores: a score above 3 qualifies as highly specific, equal to 3 as specific and between 2.2 and 2.8 as moderately specific. The duplexes were sorted by the specificity of the antisense strand and those duplexes whose antisense oligos lacked GC at the first position, lacked G at both positions 13 and 14, and had 3 or more Us or As in the seed region were selected.

For GalNaC-conjugated duplexes, sense 21mer and antisense 23mer oligos were designed by extending antisense 19mers (described above) to 23 nucleotides of target-complementary sequence. All species transcripts included in the design batch were checked for complementarity. Only 23mers that preserved 100% sequence complementarity in at least 2 species were used. For each duplex, the sense 21mer was specified as the reverse complement of the first 21 nucleotides of the antisense strand.

siRNA Sequence Selection

A total of 23 sense and 23 antisense derived human/rhesus, 6 sense and 6 antisense human/rhesus/mouse, 6 sense and 6 antisense derived human/rhesus/mouse/mouse/rat, and 13 sense and 13 antisense derived mouse/rat siRNA 19mer oligos were synthesized and formed into duplexes.

The above 19mer sets were extended to 21/23mer duplexes for GalNac conjugate design and re-classified according to their new species matches. Twenty-seven sense and 27 antisense derived human/rhesus, 1 sense and 1 sense derived human/rhesus/mouse, 3 sense and 3 antisense derived human/rhesus/rat, 4 sense and 4 antisense derived human/rhesus/mouse/rat, and 13 sense and 13 antisense derived mouse/rat 21mer (sense) and 23mer (antisense) oligos were synthesized and formed into duplexes.

A detailed list of C5 sense and antisense strand sequences is shown in Tables 3-6.

siRNA Synthesis

General Small and Medium Scale RNA Synthesis Procedure

RNA oligonucleotides were synthesized at scales between 0.2-500 μmol using commercially available 5′-O-(4,4′-dimethoxytrityl)-2′-O-t-butyldimethylsilyl-3′-O-(2-cyanoethyl-N,N-diisopropyl)phosphoramidite monomers of uridine, 4-N-acetylcytidine, 6-N-benzoyladenosine and 2-N-isobutyrylguanosine and the corresponding 2′-O-methyl and 2′-fluoro phosphoramidites according to standard solid phase oligonucleotide synthesis protocols. The amidite solutions were prepared at 0.1-0.15 M concentration and 5-ethylthio-1H-tetrazole (0.25-0.6 M in acetonitrile) was used as the activator. Phosphorothioate backbone modifications were introduced during synthesis using 0.2 M phenylacetyl disulfide (PADS) in lutidine:acetonitrile (1:1) (v;v) or 0.1 M 3-(dimethylaminomethylene) amino-3H-1,2,4-dithiazole-5-thione (DDTT) in pyridine for the oxidation step. After completion of synthesis, the sequences were cleaved from the solid support and deprotected using methylamine followed by triethylamine·3HF to remove any 2′-O-t-butyldimethylsilyl protecting groups present.

For synthesis scales between 5-500 μmol and fully 2′ modified sequences (2′-fluoro and/or 2′-O-methyl or combinations thereof) the oligonucleotides where deprotected using 3:1 (v/v) ethanol and concentrated (28-32%) aqueous ammonia either at 35° C. 16 h or 55° C. for 5.5 h. Prior to ammonia deprotection the oligonucleotides where treated with 0.5 M piperidine in acetonitrile for 20 min on the solid support. The crude oligonucleotides were analyzed by LC-MS and anion-exchange HPLC (IEX-HPLC). Purification of the oligonucleotides was carried out by IEX HPLC using: 20 mM phosphate, 10%-15% ACN, pH=8.5 (buffer A) and 20 mM phosphate, 10%-15% ACN, 1 M NaBr, pH=8.5 (buffer B). Fractions were analyzed for purity by analytical HPLC. The product-containing fractions with suitable purity were pooled and concentrated on a rotary evaporator prior to desalting. The samples were desalted by size exclusion chromatography and lyophilized to dryness. Equal molar amounts of sense and antisense strands were annealed in 1×PBS buffer to prepare the corresponding siRNA duplexes.

For small scales (0.2-1 μmol), synthesis was performed on a MerMade 192 synthesizer in a 96 well format. In case of fully 2′-modified sequences (2′-fluoro and/or 2′-O-methyl or combinations thereof) the oligonucleotides where deprotected using methylamine at room temperature for 30-60 min followed by incubation at 60° C. for 30 min or using 3:1 (v/v) ethanol and concentrated (28-32%) aqueous ammonia at room temperature for 30-60 min followed by incubation at 40° C. for 1.5 hours. The crude oligonucleotides were then precipitated in a solution of acetonitrile:acetone (9:1) and isolated by centrifugation and decanting the supernatant. The crude oligonucleotide pellet was re-suspended in 20 mM NaOAc buffer and analyzed by LC-MS and anion exchange HPLC. The crude oligonucleotide sequences were desalted in 96 deep well plates on a 5 mL HiTrap Sephadex G25 column (GE Healthcare). In each well about 1.5 mL samples corresponding to an individual sequence was collected. These purified desalted oligonucleotides were analyzed by LC-MS and anion exchange chromatography. Duplexes were prepared by annealing equimolar amounts of sense and antisense sequences on a Tecan robot. Concentration of duplexes was adjusted to 10 μM in 1×PBS buffer.

Synthesis of GalNAc-Conjugated Oligonucleotides for In Vivo Analysis

Oligonucleotides conjugated with GalNAc ligand at their 3′-terminus were synthesized at scales between 0.2-500 μmol using a solid support pre-loaded with a Y-shaped linker bearing a 4,4′-dimethoxytrityl (DMT)-protected primary hydroxy group for oligonucleotide synthesis and a GalNAc ligand attached through a tether.

For synthesis of GalNAc conjugates in the scales between 5-500 μmol, the above synthesis protocol for RNA was followed with the following adaptions: For polystyrene-based synthesis supports 5% dichloroacetic acid in toluene was used for DMT-cleavage during synthesis. Cleavage from the support and deprotection was performed as described above. Phosphorothioate-rich sequences (usually >5 phorphorothioates) were synthesized without removing the final 5′-DMT group (“DMT-on”) and, after cleavage and deprotection as described above, purified by reverse phase HPLC using 50 mM ammonium acetate in water (buffer A) and 50 mM ammoniumacetate in 80% acetonitirile (buffer B). Fractions were analyzed for purity by analytical HPLC and/or LC-MS. The product-containing fractions with suitable purity were pooled and concentrated on a rotary evaporator. The DMT-group was removed using 20%-25% acetic acid in water until completion. The samples were desalted by size exclusion chromatography and lyophilized to dryness. Equal molar amounts of sense and antisense strands were annealed in 1×PBS buffer to prepare the corresponding siRNA duplexes.

For small scale synthesis of GalNAc conjugates (0.2-1 μmol), including sequences with multiple phosphorothioate linkages, the protocols described above for synthesis of RNA or fully 2′-F/2′-OMe-containing sequences on MerMade platform were applied. Synthesis was performed on pre-packed columns containing GalNAc-functionalized controlled pore glass support.

Example 2. In Vitro Screening

Cell Culture and Transfections

Hep3B cells (ATCC, Manassas, VA) were grown to near confluence at 37° C. in an atmosphere of 5% CO2 in Eagle's Minimum Essential Medium (ATCC) supplemented with 10% FBS, streptomycin, and glutamine (ATCC) before being released from the plate by trypsinization. Cells were washed and re-suspended at 0.25×10⁶ cells/ml. During transfections, cells were plated onto a 96-well plate with about 20,000 cells per well.

Primary mouse hepatocytes (PMH) were freshly isolated from a C57BL/6 female mouse (Charles River Labortories International, Inc. Willmington, MA) less than 1 hour prior to transfections and grown in primary hepatocyte media. Cells were resuspended at 0.11×10⁶ cells/ml in InVitroGRO CP Rat (plating) medium (Celsis In Vitro Technologies, catalog number S01494). During transfections, cells were plated onto a BD BioCoat 96 well collagen plate (BD, 356407) at 10,000 cells per well and incubated at 37° C. in an atmosphere of 5% CO₂.

Cryopreserved Primary Cynomolgus Hepatocytes (Celsis In Vitro Technologies, M003055-P) were thawed at 37° C. water bath immediately prior to usage and re-suspended at 0.26×10⁶ cells/ml in InVitroGRO CP (plating) medium (Celsis In Vitro Technologies, catalog number Z99029). During transfections, cells were plated onto a BD BioCoat 96 well collagen plate (BD, 356407) at 25,000 cells per well and incubated at 37° C. in an atmosphere of 5% CO₂.

For Hep3B, PMH, and primary Cynomolgus hepatocytes, transfection was carried out by adding 14.8 μl of Opti-MEM plus 0.2 μl of Lipofectamine RNAiMax per well (Invitrogen, Carlsbad CA. catalog number 13778-150) to 5 μl of each siRNA duplex to an individual well in a 96-well plate. The mixture was then incubated at room temperature for 20 minutes. Eighty μl of complete growth media without antibiotic containing the appropriate cell number were then added to the siRNA mixture. Cells were incubated for 24 hours prior to RNA purification.

Single dose experiments were performed at 10 nM and 0.1 nM final duplex concentration for GalNAc modified sequences or at 1 nM and 0.01 nM final duplex concentration for all other sequences. Dose response experiments were done at 3, 1, 0.3, 0.1, 0.037, 0.0123, 0.00412, and 0.00137 nM final duplex concentration for primary mouse hepatocytes and at 3, 1, 0.3, 0.1, 0.037, 0.0123, 0.00412, 0.00137, 0.00046, 0.00015, 0.00005, and 0.000017 nM final duplex concentration for Hep3B cells.

Free Uptake Transfection

Free uptake experiments were performed by adding 10 μl of siRNA duplexes in PBS per well into a 96 well plate. Ninety μl of complete growth media containing appropriate cell number for the cell type was then added to the siRNA. Cells were incubated for 24 hours prior to RNA purification. Single dose experiments were performed at 500 nM and 5 nM final duplex concentration and dose response experiments were done at 1000, 333, 111, 37, 12.3, 4.12, 1.37, 0.46 nM final duplex concentration.

Total RNA Isolation Using DYNABEADS mRNA Isolation Kit (Invitrogen, Part #: 610-12)

Cells were harvested and lysed in 150 μl of Lysis/Binding Buffer then mixed for 5 minutes at 850 rpm using an Eppendorf Thermomixer (the mixing speed was the same throughout the process). Ten microliters of magnetic beads and 80 μl Lysis/Binding Buffer mixture were added to a round bottom plate and mixed for 1 minute. Magnetic beads were captured using a magnetic stand and the supernatant was removed without disturbing the beads. After removing the supernatant, the lysed cells were added to the remaining beads and mixed for 5 minutes. After removing the supernatant, magnetic beads were washed 2 times with 150 μl Wash Buffer A and mixed for 1 minute. The beads were capturedagain and the supernatant was removed. The beads were then washed with 150 μl Wash Buffer B, captured and the supernatant was removed. The beads were next washed with 150 μl Elution Buffer, captured and the supernatant removed. Finally, the beads were allowed to dry for 2 minutes. After drying, 50 μl of Elution Buffer was added and mixed for 5 minutes at 70° C. The beads were captured on magnet for 5 minutes. Forty-five μl of supernatant was removed and added to another 96 well plate.

cDNA Synthesis Using ABI High Capacity cDNA Reverse Transcription Kit (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA, Cat #4368813)

A master mix of 2 μl 10× Buffer, 0.8 μl 25× dNTPs, 2 μl Random primers, 1 μl Reverse Transcriptase, 1 μl RNase inhibitor and 3.2 μl of H2O per reaction as prepared. Equal volumes master mix and RNA were mixed for a final volume of 12 μl for in vitro screened or 20 μl for in vivo screened samples. cDNA was generated using a Bio-Rad C-1000 or S-1000 thermal cycler (Hercules, CA) through the following steps: 25° C. for 10 minutes, 37° C. for 120 minutes, 85° C. for 5 seconds, and 4° C. hold.

Real Time PCR

Two μl of cDNA were added to a master mix containing 2 μl of H₂O, 0.5 μl GAPDH TaqMan Probe (Life Technologies catalog number 4326317E for Hep3B cells, catalog number 352339E for primary mouse hepatocytes or custom probe for cynomolgus primary hepatocytes), 0.5 μl C5 TaqMan probe (Life Technologies c catalog number Hs00156197_m1 for Hep3B cells or mm00439275_m1 for Primary Mouse Hepatoctyes or custom probe for cynomolgus primary hepatocytes) and 5 μl Lightcycler 480 probe master mix (Roche catalog number 04887301001) per well in a 384 well plates (Roche catalog number 04887301001). Real time PCR was performed in an Roche LC480 Real Time PCR system (Roche) using the ΔΔCt(RQ) assay. For in vitro screening, each duplex was tested with two biological replicates unless otherwise noted and each Real Time PCR was performed in duplicate technical replicates. For in vivo screening, each duplex was tested in one or more experiments (3 mice per group) and each Real Time PCR was run in duplicate technical replicates.

To calculate relative fold change in C5 mRNA levels, real time data were analyzed using the ΔΔCt method and normalized to assays performed with cells transfected with 10 nM AD-1955, or mock transfected cells. IC₅₀s were calculated using a 4 parameter fit model using XLFit and normalized to cells transfected with AD-1955 over the same dose range, or to its own lowest dose.

The sense and antisense sequences of AD-1955 are:

SENSE: (SEQ ID NO: 13) cuuAcGcuGAGuAcuucGAdTsdT; ANTISENSE: (SEQ ID NO: 14) UCGAAGuACUcAGCGuAAGdTsdT.

Table 7 shows the results of a single dose screen in Hep3B cells transfected with the indicated GalNAC conjugated modified iRNAs. Data are expressed as percent of message remaining relative to untreated cells.

Table 8 shows the results of a single dose transfection screen in primary mouse hepatocytes transfected with the indicated GalNAC conjugated modified iRNAs. Data are expressed as percent of message remaining relative to untreated cells.

Table 9 shows the results of a single dose free uptake screen in primary Cynomolgus hepatocytes with the indicated GalNAC conjugated modified iRNAs. Data are expressed as percent of message remaining relative to untreated cells.

Table 10 shows the results of a single dose free uptake screen in primary mouse hepatocytes with the indicated GalNAC conjugated modified iRNAs. Data are expressed as percent of message remaining relative to untreated cells.

Table 11 shows the dose response of a free uptake screen in primary Cynomolgus hepatocytes with the indicated GalNAC conjugated modified iRNAs. The indicated IC₅₀ values represent the IC₅₀ values relative to untreated cells.

Table 12 shows the dose response of a free uptake screen in primary mouse hepatocytes with the indicated GalNAC conjugated modified iRNAs. The indicated IC₅₀ values represent the IC₅₀ values relative to untreated cells.

Table 13 shows the results of a single dose screen in Hep3B cells transfected with the indicated modified and unmodified iRNAs. Data are expressed as percent of message remaining relative to untreated cells. The 0.01 nM dose was a single biological transfection and the 1 nM dose was a duplicate biological transfection.

Table 14 shows the results of a single dose screen in primary mouse hepatocytes transfected with the indicated modified and unmodified iRNAs. Data are expressed as percent of message remaining relative to untreated cells.

Table 15 shows the dose response in Hep3B cells transfected with the indicated modified and unmodified iRNAs. The indicated IC₅₀ values represent the IC₅₀ values relative to untreated cells.

Table 16 shows the dose response in primary mouse hepatocytes transfected with the indicated modified and unmodified iRNAs. The indicated IC₅₀ values represent the IC₅₀ values relative to untreated cells.

TABLE 2 Abbreviations of nucleotide monomers used in nucleic acid sequence representation. It will be understood that these monomers, when present in an oligonucleotide, are mutually linked by 5′-3′-phosphodiester bonds. Abbreviation Nucleotide(s) A Adenosine-3′-phosphate Af 2′-fluoroadenosine-3′-phosphate Afs 2′-fluoroadenosine-3′-phosphorothioate As adenosine-3′-phosphorothioate C cytidine-3′-phosphate Cf 2′-fluorocytidine-3′-phosphate Cfs 2′-fluorocytidine-3′-phosphorothioate Cs cytidine-3′-phosphorothioate G guanosine-3′-phosphate Gf 2′-fluoroguanosine-3′-phosphate Gfs 2′-fluoroguanosine-3′-phosphorothioate Gs guanosine-3′-phosphorothioate T 5′-methyluridine-3′-phosphate Tf 2′-fluoro-5-methyluridine-3′-phosphate Tfs 2′-fluoro-5-methyluridine-3′-phosphorothioate Ts 5-methyluridine-3′-phosphorothioate U Uridine-3′-phosphate Uf 2′-fluorouridine-3′-phosphate Ufs 2′-fluorouridine-3′-phosphorothioate Us uridine-3′-phosphorothioate N any nucleotide (G, A, C, T or U) a 2′-O-methyladenosine-3′-phosphate as 2′-O-methyladenosine-3′-phosphorothioate c 2′-O-methylcytidine-3′-phosphate cs 2′-O-methylcytidine-3′-phosphorothioate g 2′-O-methylguanosine-3′-phosphate gs 2′-O-methylguanosine-3′-phosphorothioate t 2′-O-methyl-5-methyluridine-3′-phosphate ts 2′-O-methyl-5-methyluridine-3′-phosphorothioate u 2′-O-methyluridine-3′-phosphate us 2′-O-methyluridine-3′-phosphorothioate s phosphorothioate linkage L96 N-[tris(GalNAc-alkyl)-amidodecanoyl)]-4-hydroxyprolinol Hyp-(GalNAc-alkyl)3 (dt) deoxy-thymine

TABLE 3 Unmodified Sense and Antisense Strand Sequences of C5 dsRNAs SEQ ID SEQ ID Duplex ID Sense strand Sense Unmodified Sequence NO: Antisense Antisense Unmodified Sequence NO: Species_Oligo name¹ start end AD-58093.UM² 1³ A-118310.1 AAUAACUCACUAUAAUUACUU 15 A-118311.1 AAGUAAUUAUAGUGAGUUAUUUU 66 NM_001735.2_as 1513 1535 AD-58099.1 UM A-118312.1 UGACAAAAUAACUCACUAUAA 16 A-118313.1 UUAUAGUGAGUUAUUUUGUCAAU 67 NM_001735.2_as 1507 1529 AD-58105.1 UM A-118314.1 CUUCCUCUGGAAAUUGGCCUU 17 A-118315.1 AAGGCCAAUUUCCAGAGGAAGCA 68 NM_001735.2_as 2729 2751 AD-58111.1 UM A-118316.1 GACAAAAUAACUCACUAUAAU 18 A-118317.1 AUUAUAGUGAGUUAUUUUGUCAA 69 NM_001735.2_as 1508 1530 AD-58117.1 UM A-118318.1 UCCUCUGGAAAUUGGCCUUCA 19 A-118319.1 UGAAGGCCAAUUUCCAGAGGAAG 70 NM_001735.2_as 2731 2753 AD-58123.1 UM A-118320.1 AAGCAAGAUAUUUUUAUAAUA 20 A-118321.1 UAUUAUAAAAAUAUCUUGCUUUU 71 NM_001735.2_as  780  802 AD-58129.1 UM A-118322.1 AAAAUGUUUUUGUCAAGUACA 21 A-118323.1 UGUACUUGACAAAAACAUUUUCU 72 NM_001735.2_as 4740 4762 AD-58088.1 UM A-118324.1 AUUUAAACAACAAGUACCUUU 22 A-118325.1 AAAGGUACUUGUUGUUUAAAUCU 73 NM_001735.2_as  978 1000 AD-58094.1 UM A-118326.1 AUUCAGAAAGUCUGUGAAGGA 23 A-118327.1 UCCUUCACAGACUUUCUGAAUUU 74 NM_001735.2_as 4574 4596 AD-58100.1 UM A-118328.1 ACACUGAAGCAUUUGAUGCAA 24 A-118329.1 UUGCAUCAAAUGCUUCAGUGUAU 75 NM_001735.2_as  165  187 AD-58106.1 UM A-118330.1 GCAGUUCUGUGUUAAAAUGUC 25 A-118331.1 GACAUUUUAACACAGAACUGCAU 76 NM_001735.2_as 2587 2609 AD-58112.1 UM A-118332.1 AGGAUUUUGAGUGUAAAAGGA 26 A-118333.1 UCCUUUUACACUCAAAAUCCUUU 77 NM_001735.2_as 2951 2973 AD-58118.1 UM A-118334.1 AAUGAUGAACCUUGUAAAGAA 27 A-118335.1 UUCUUUACAAGGUUCAUCAUUUU 78 NM_001735.2_as 2021 2043 AD-58124.1 UM A-118336.1 AUCAUUGGAACAUUUUUCAUU 28 A-118337.1 AAUGAAAAAUGUUCCAAUGAUUU 79 NM_001735.2_as 3114 3136 AD-58130.1 UM A-118338.1 AGCCAGAAAUUCGGAGUUAUU 29 A-118339.1 AAUAACUCCGAAUUUCUGGCUUG 80 NM_001735.2_as 2313 2335 AD-58089.1 UM A-118340.1 UCCCUGGGAGAUAAAACUCAC 30 A-118341.1 GUGAGUUUUAUCUCCCAGGGAAA 81 NM_001735.2_as 3614 3636 AD-58095.1 UM A-118342.1 GAAAAUGAUGAACCUUGUAAA 31 A-118343.1 UUUACAAGGUUCAUCAUUUUCUU 82 NM_001735.2_as 2018 2040 AD-58101.1 UM A-118344.1 AUUGCUCAAGUCACAUUUGAU 32 A-118345.1 AUCAAAUGUGACUUGAGCAAUUC 83 NM_001735.2_as  914  936 AD-58107.1 UM A-118346.1 GAGAUUGCAUAUGCUUAUAAA 33 A-118347.1 UUUAUAAGCAUAUGCAAUCUCUG 84 NM_001735.2_as 4694 4716 AD-58113.1 UM A-118348.1 GUUAUCCUGAUAAAAAAUUUA 34 A-118349.1 UAAAUUUUUUAUCAGGAUAACUU 85 NM_001735.2_as  201  223 AD-58119.1 UM A-118350.1 AGGAAGUUUGCAGCUUUUAUU 35 A-118351.1 AAUAAAAGCUGCAAACUUCCUCA 86 NM_001735.2_as 4143 4165 AD-58125.1 UM A-118352.1 GAAGAAAUUGAUCAUAUUGGA 36 A-118353.1 UCCAAUAUGAUCAAUUUCUUCUA 87 NM_001735.2_as  551   573 AD-58131.1 UM A-118354.1 AUCCUGAUAAAAAAUUUAGUU 37 A-118355.1 AACUAAAUUUUUUAUCAGGAUAA 88 NM_001735.2_as  204  226 AD-58090.1 UM A-118356.1 UGGAAAAGAAAUCUUAGUAAA 38 A-118357.1 UUUACUAAGAUUUCUUUUCCAAA 89 NM_001735.2_as 2782 2804 AD-58096.1 UM A-118358.1 UCUUAUCAAAGUAUAAACAUU 39 A-118359.1 AAUGUUUAUACUUUGAUAAGAUG 90 NM_001735.2_as 1592 1614 AD-58102.1 UM A-118360.1 UCCCUACAAACUGAAUUUGGU 40 A-118361.1 ACCAAAUUCAGUUUGUAGGGAGA 91 NM_001735.2_as 1078 1100 AD-58108.1 UM A-118362.1 CAGGAGCAAACAUAUGUCAUU 41 A-118363.1 AAUGACAUAUGUUUGCUCCUGUC 92 NM_001735.2_as   83  105 AD-58114.1 UM A-118364.1 ACAUGUAACAACUGUAGUUCA 42 A-118365.1 UGAACUACAGUUGUUACAUGUAC 93 NM_001735.2_as 4105 4127 AD-58120.1 UM A-118366.1 CAGGAAAUCAUUGGAACAUUU 43 A-118367.1 AAAUGUUCCAAUGAUUUCCUGUU 94 NM_001735.2_as 3108 3130 AD-58126.1 UM A-118368.1 UUUAAGAAUUUUGAAAUUACU 44 A-118369.1 AGUAAUUUCAAAAUUCUUAAAGU 95 NM_001735.2_as  755  777 AD-58132.1 UM A-118370.1 UAUUCUGCAACUGAAUUCGAU 45 A-118371.1 AUCGAAUUCAGUUGCAGAAUAAC 96 NM_001735.2_as 4408 4430 AD-58091.1 UM A-118372.1 GCCCUUGGAAAGAGUAUUUCA 46 A-118373.1 UGAAAUACUCUUUCCAAGGGCUU 97 NM_001735.2_as 1882 1904 AD-58097.1 UM A-118374.1 CCUGAUAAAAAAUUUAGUUAC 47 A-118375.1 GUAACUAAAUUUUUUAUCAGGAU 98 NM_001735.2_as  206  228 AD-58103.1 UM A-118376.1 CCCUUGGAAAGAGUAUUUCAA 48 A-118377.1 UUGAAAUACUCUUUCCAAGGGCU 99 NM_001735.2_as 1883 1905 AD-58121.1 UM A-118382.1 UGCAGAUCAAACACAAUUUCA 49 A-118383.1 UGAAAUUGUGUUUGAUCUGCAGA 100 NM_010406.2_as 4939 4961 AD-58133.1 UM A-118386.1 CAGAUCAAACACAAUUUCAGU 50 A-118387.1 ACUGAAAUUGUGUUUGAUCUGCA 101 NM_010406.2_as 4941 4963 AD-58116.1 UM A-118396.1 GUUCCGGAUAUUUGAACUUUU 51 A-118397.1 AAAAGUUCAAAUAUCCGGAACCG 102 NM_010406.2_as 4496 4518 AD-58644.1 UM A-119328.1 AUUUAAACAACAAGUACCUUU 52 A-119329.1 AAAGGUACUUGUUGUUUAAAUCU 103 NM_001735.2_as  978 1000 AD-58651.1 UM A-119328.2 AUUUAAACAACAAGUACCUUU 53 A-119339.1 AAAGGUACUUGUUGUUUAAAUCU 104 NM_001735.2_as  978 1000 AD-58641.1 UM A-119322.1 UGACAAAAUAACUCACUAUAA 54 A-119323.1 UUAUAGUGAGUUAUUUUGUCAAU 105 NM_001735.2_as 1507 1529 AD-58648.1 UM A-119322.2 UGACAAAAUAACUCACUAUAA 55 A-119336.1 UUAUAGUGAGUUAUUUUGUCAAU 106 NM_001735.2_as 1507 1529 AD-58642.1 UM A-119324.1 GACAAAAUAACUCACUAUAAU 56 A-119325.1 AUUAUAGUGAGUUAUUUUGUCAA 107 NM_001735.2_as 1508 1530 AD-58649.1 UM A-119324.2 GACAAAAUAACUCACUAUAAU 57 A-119337.1 AUUAUAGUGAGUUAUUUUGUCAA 108 NM_001735.2_as 1508 1530 AD-58647.1 UM A-119334.1 GUUCCGGAUAUUUGAACUUUU 58 A-119335.1 AAAAGUUCAAAUAUCCGGAACCG 109 NM_010406.2_as 4496 4518 AD-58654.1 UM A-119334.2 GUUCCGGAUAUUUGAACUUUU 59 A-119342.1 AAAAGUUCAAAUAUCCGGAACCG 110 NM_010406.2_as 4496 4518 AD-58645.1 UM A-119330.1 UGCAGAUCAAACACAAUUUCA 60 A-119331.1 UGAAAUUGUGUUUGAUCUGCAGA 111 NM_010406.2_as 4939 4961 AD-58652.1 UM A-119330.2 UGCAGAUCAAACACAAUUUCA 61 A-119340.1 UGAAAUUGUGUUUGAUCUGCAGA 112 NM_010406.2_as 4939 4961 AD-58643.1 UM A-119326.1 AAGCAAGAUAUUUUUAUAAUA 62 A-119327.1 UAUUAUAAAAAUAUCUUGCUUUU 113 NM_001735.2_as  780  802 AD-58650.1 UM A-119326.2 AAGCAAGAUAUUUUUAUAAUA 63 A-119338.1 UAUUAUAAAAAUAUCUUGCUUUU 114 NM_001735.2_as  780  802 AD-58646.1 UM A-119332.1 CAGAUCAAACACAAUUUCAGU 64 A-119333.1 ACUGAAAUUGUGUUUGAUCUGCA 115 NM_010406.2_as 4941 4963 AD-58653.1 UM A-119332.2 CAGAUCAAACACAAUUUCAGU 65 A-119341.1 ACUGAAAUUGUGUUUGAUCUGCA 116 NM_010406.2_as 4941 4963 ¹The Species Oligo name reflects the GenBank record (e.g., NM_001735.2) and the position in the nucleotide sequence of the GenBank record (e.g., 1513-1535) that the antisense strand targets. ²The number following the decimal point refers to the lot number. ³UM = unmodified

TABLE 4 GalNAC Conujugated Modified Sense and Antisense Strand Sequences of C5 dsRNAs SEQ SEQ ID ID Species_Oligo Duplex ID Sense strand Sense sequence NO: Antisense Antisense sequence NO: name⁴ AD-58093.1 A-118310.1 AfaUfaAfcUfcAfCfUfaUfaAfuUfaCfuUfL96 117 A-118311.1 aAfgUfaAfuUfaUfaguGfaGfuUfaUfusUfsu 168 AD-58099.1 A-118312.1 UfgAfcAfaAfaUfAfAfcUfcAfcUfaUfaAfL96 118 A-118313.1 uUfaUfaGfuGfaGfuuaUfuUfuGfuCfasAfsu 169 AD-58105.1 A-118314.1 CfuUfcCfuCfuGfGfAfaAfuUfgGfcCfuUfL96 119 A-118315.1 aAfgGfcCfaAfuUfuccAfgAfgGfaAfgsCfsa 170 AD-58111.1 A-118316.1 GfaCfaAfaAfuAfAfCfuCfaCfuAfuAfaUfL96 120 A-118317.1 aUfuAfuAfgUfgAfguuAfuUfuUfgUfcsAfsa 171 AD-58117.1 A-118318.1 UfcCfuCfuGfgAfAfAfuUfgGfcCfuUfcAfL96 121 A-118319.1 uGfaAfgGfcCfaAfuuuCfcAfgAfgGfasAfsg 172 AD-58123.1 A-118320.1 AfaGfcAfaGfaUfAfUfuUfuUfaUfaAfuAfL96 122 A-118321.1 uAfuUfaUfaAfaAfauaUfcUfuGfcUfusUfsu 173 AD-58129.1 A-118322.1 AfaAfaUfgUfuUfUfUfgUfcAfaGfuAfcAfL96 123 A-118323.1 uGfuAfcUfuGfaCfaaaAfaCfaUfuUfusCfsu 174 AD-58088.1 A-118324.1 AfuUfuAfaAfcAfAfCfaAfgUfaCfcUfuUfL96 124 A-118325.1 aAfaGfgUfaCfuUfguuGfuUfuAfaAfusCfsu 175 AD-58094.1 A-118326.1 AfuUfcAfgAfaAfGfUfcUfgUfgAfaGfgAfL96 125 A-118327.1 uCfcUfuCfaCfaGfacuUfuCfuGfaAfusUfsu 176 AD-58100.1 A-118328.1 AfcAfcUfgAfaGfCfAfuUfuGfaUfgCfaAfL96 126 A-118329.1 uUfgCfaUfcAfaAfugcUfuCfaGfuGfusAfsu 177 AD-58106.1 A-118330.1 GfcAfgUfuCfuGfUfGfuUfaAfaAfuGfuCfL96 127 A-118331.1 gAfcAfuUfuUfaAfcacAfgAfaCfuGfcsAfsu 178 AD-58112.1 A-118332.1 AfgGfaUfuUfuGfAfGfuGfuAfaAfaGfgAfL96 128 A-118333.1 uCfcUfuUfuAfcAfcucAfaAfaUfcCfusUfsu 179 AD-58118.1 A-118334.1 AfaUfgAfuGfaAfCfCfuUfgUfaAfaGfaAfL96 129 A-118335.1 uUfcUfuUfaCfaAfgguUfcAfuCfaUfusUfsu 180 AD-58124.1 A-118336.1 AfuCfaUfuGfgAfAfCfaUfuUfuUfcAfuUfL96 130 A-118337.1 aAfuGfaAfaAfaUfguuCfcAfaUfgAfusUfsu 181 AD-58130.1 A-118338.1 AfgCfcAfgAfaAfUfUfcGfgAfgUfuAfuUfL96 131 A-118339.1 aAfuAfaCfuCfcGfaauUfuCfuGfgCfusUfsg 182 AD-58089.1 A-118340.1 UfcCfcUfgGfgAfGfAfuAfaAfaCfuCfaCfL96 132 A-118341.1 gUfgAfgUfuUfuAfucuCfcCfaGfgGfasAfsa 183 AD-58095.1 A-118342.1 GfaAfaAfuGfaUfGfAfaCfcUfuGfuAfaAfL96 133 A-118343.1 uUfuAfcAfaGfgUfucaUfcAfuUfuUfcsUfsu 184 AD-58101.1 A-118344.1 AfuUfgCfuCfaAfGfUfcAfcAfuUfuGfaUfL96 134 A-118345.1 aUfcAfaAfuGfuGfacuUfgAfgCfaAfusUfsc 185 AD-58107.1 A-118346.1 GfaGfaUfuGfcAfUfAfuGfcUfuAfuAfaAfL96 135 A-118347.1 uUfuAfuAfaGfcAfuauGfcAfaUfcUfcsUfsg 186 AD-58113.1 A-118348.1 GfuUfaUfcCfuGfAfUfaAfaAfaAfuUfuAfL96 136 A-118349.1 uAfaAfuUfuUfuUfaucAfgGfaUfaAfcsUfsu 187 AD-58119.1 A-118350.1 AfgGfaAfgUfuUfGfCfaGfcUfuUfuAfuUfL96 137 A-118351.1 aAfuAfaAfaGfcUfgcaAfaCfuUfcCfusCfsa 188 AD-58125.1 A-118352.1 GfaAfgAfaAfuUfGfAfuCfaUfaUfuGfgAfL96 138 A-118353.1 uCfcAfaUfaUfgAfucaAfuUfuCfuUfcsUfsa 189 AD-58131.1 A-118354.1 AfuCfcUfgAfuAfAfAfaAfaUfuUfaGfuUfL96 139 A-118355.1 aAfcUfaAfaUfuUfuuuAfuCfaGfgAfusAfsa 190 AD-58090.1 A-118356.1 UfgGfaAfaAfgAfAfAfuCfuUfaGfuAfaAfL96 140 A-118357.1 uUfuAfcUfaAfgAfuuuCfuUfuUfcCfasAfsa 191 AD-58096.1 A-118358.1 UfcUfuAfuCfaAfAfGfuAfuAfaAfcAfuUfL96 141 A-118359.1 aAfuGfuUfuAfuAfcuuUfgAfuAfaGfasUfsg 192 AD-58102.1 A-118360.1 UfcCfcUfaCfaAfAfCfuGfaAfuUfuGfgUfL96 142 A-118361.1 aCfcAfaAfuUfcAfguuUfgUfaGfgGfasGfsa 193 AD-58108.1 A-118362.1 CfaGfgAfgCfaAfAfCfaUfaUfgUfcAfuUfL96 143 A-118363.1 aAfuGfaCfaUfaUfguuUfgCfuCfcUfgsUfsc 194 AD-58114.1 A-118364.1 AfcAfuGfuAfaCfAfAfcUfgUfaGfuUfcAfL96 144 A-118365.1 uGfaAfcUfaCfaGfuugUfuAfcAfuGfusAfsc 195 AD-58120.1 A-118366.1 CfaGfgAfaAfuCfAfUfuGfgAfaCfaUfuUfL96 145 A-118367.1 aAfaUfgUfuCfcAfaugAfuUfuCfcUfgsUfsu 196 AD-58126.1 A-118368.1 UfuUfaAfgAfaUfUfUfuGfaAfaUfuAfcUfL96 146 A-118369.1 aGfuAfaUfuUfcAfaaaUfuCfuUfaAfasGfsu 197 AD-58132.1 A-118370.1 UfaUfuCfuGfcAfAfCfuGfaAfuUfcGfaUfL96 147 A-118371.1 aUfcGfaAfuUfcAfguuGfcAfgAfaUfasAfsc 198 AD-58091.1 A-118372.1 GfcCfcUfuGfgAfAfAfgAfgUfaUfuUfcAfL96 148 A-118373.1 uGfaAfaUfaCfuCfuuuCfcAfaGfgGfcsUfsu 199 AD-58097.1 A-118374.1 CfcUfgAfuAfaAfAfAfaUfuUfaGfuUfaCfL96 149 A-118375.1 gUfaAfcUfaAfaUfuuuUfuAfuCfaGfgsAfsu 200 AD-58103.1 A-118376.1 CfcCfuUfgGfaAfAfGfaGfuAfuUfuCfaAfL96 150 A-118377.1 uUfgAfaAfuAfcUfcuuUfcCfaAfgGfgsCfsu 201 AD-58121.1 A-118382.1 UfgCfaGfaUfcAfAfAfcAfcAfaUfuUfcAfL96 151 A-118383.1 uGfaAfaUfuGfuGfuuuGfaUfcUfgCfasGfsa 202 AD-58133.1 A-118386.1 CfaGfaUfcAfaAfCfAfcAfaUfuUfcAfgUfL96 152 A-118387.1 aCfuGfaAfaUfuGfuguUfuGfaUfcUfgsCfsa 203 AD-58116.1 A-118396.1 GfuUfcCfgGfaUfAfUfuUfgAfaCfuUfuUfL96 153 A-118397.1 aAfaAfgUfuCfaAfauaUfcCfgGfaAfcsCfsg 204 AD-58644.1 A-119328.1 AfsusUfuAfaAfcAfAfCfaAfgUfaCfcUfuUfL96 154 A-119329.1 asAfsaGfgUfaCfuUfguuGfuUfuAfaAfuscsu 205 AD-58651.1 A-119328.2 AfsusUfuAfaAfcAfAfCfaAfgUfaCfcUfuUfL96 155 A-119339.1 asAfsaGfsgUfsaCfsuUfsguuGfsuUfsuAfsaAfsuscsu 206 AD-58641.1 A-119322.1 UfsgsAfcAfaAfaUfAfAfcUfcAfcUfaUfaAfL96 156 A-119323.1 usUfsaUfaGfuGfaGfuuaUfuUfuGfuCfasasu 207 AD-58648.1 A-119322.2 UfsgsAfcAfaAfaUfAfAfcUfcAfcUfaUfaAfL96 157 A-119336.1 usUfsaUfsaGfsuGfsaGfsuuaUfsuUfsuGfsuCfsasasu 208 AD-58642.1 A-119324.1 GfsasCfaAfaAfuAfAfCfuCfaCfuAfuAfaUfL96 158 A-119325.1 asUfsuAfuAfgUfgAfguuAfuUfuUfgUfcsasa 209 AD-58649.1 A-119324.2 GfsasCfaAfaAfuAfAfCfuCfaCfuAfuAfaUfL96 159 A-119337.1 asUfsuAfsuAfsgUfsgAfsguuAfsuUfsuUfsgUfscsasa 210 AD-58647.1 A-119334.1 GfsusUfcCfgGfaUfAfUfuUfgAfaCfuUfuUfL96 160 A-119335.1 asAfsaAfgUfuCfaAfauaUfcCfgGfaAfcscsg 211 AD-58654.1 A-119334.2 GfsusUfcCfgGfaUfAfUfuUfgAfaCfuUfuUfL96 161 A-119342.1 asAfsaAfsgUfsuCfsaAfsauaUfscCfsgGfsaAfscscsg 212 AD-58645.1 A-119330.1 UfsgsCfaGfaUfcAfAfAfcAfcAfaUfuUfcAfL96 162 A-119331.1 usGfsaAfaUfuGfuGfuuuGfaUfcUfgCfasgsa 213 AD-58652.1 A-119330.2 UfsgsCfaGfaUfcAfAfAfcAfcAfaUfuUfcAfL96 163 A-119340.1 usGfsaAfsaUfsuGfsuGfsuuuGfsaUfscUfsgCfsasgsa 214 AD-58643.1 A-119326.1 AfsasGfcAfaGfaUfAfUfuUfuUfaUfaAfuAfL96 164 A-119327.1 usAfsuUfaUfaAfaAfauaUfcUfuGfcUfususu 215 AD-58650.1 A-119326.2 AfsasGfcAfaGfaUfAfUfuUfuUfaUfaAfuAfL96 165 A-119338.1 usAfsuUfsaUfsaAfsaAfsauaUfscUfsuGfscUfsususu 216 AD-58646.1 A-119332.1 CfsasGfaUfcAfaAfCfAfcAfaUfuUfcAfgUfL96 166 A-119333.1 asCfsuGfaAfaUfuGfuguUfuGfaUfcUfgscsa 217 AD-58653.1 A-119332.2 CfsasGfaUfcAfaAfCfAfcAfaUfuUfcAfgUfL96 167 A-119341.1 asCfsuGfsaAfsaUfsuGfsuguUfsuGfsaUfscUfsgscsa 218 ⁴The Species Oligo name and the position in the nucleotide sequence of the GenBank record that the antisense strand targets correspond to those shown in Table 3.

TABLE 5 Unmodified Sense and Antisense Strand Sequences of C5 dsRNAs SEQ ID SEQ ID Duplex ID Sense strand Sense Unmodified Sequence NO: Antisense Antisense Unmodified Sequence NO: Species_Oligo name AD-58143.1 UM A-118423.1 CACUAUAAUUACUUGAUUU 219 A-118424.1 AAAUCAAGUAAUUAUAGUG 302 NM_001735.2_1522-1540_as AD-58149.1 UM A-118425.1 UAACUCACUAUAAUUACUU 220 A-118426.1 AAGUAAUUAUAGUGAGUUA 303 NM_001735.2_1517-1535_as AD-58155.1 UM A-118427.1 ACAAAAUAACUCACUAUAA 221 A-118428.1 UUAUAGUGAGUUAUUUUGU 304 NM_001735.2_1511-1529_as AD-58161.1 UM A-118429.1 UCCUCUGGAAAUUGGCCUU 222 A-118430.1 AAGGCCAAUUUCCAGAGGA 305 NM_001735.2_2733-2751_as AD-58167.1 UM A-118431.1 CAAAAUAACUCACUAUAAU 223 A-118432.1 AUUAUAGUGAGUUAUUUUG 306 NM_001735.2_1512-1530_as AD-58173.1 UM A-118433.1 CUCUGGAAAUUGGCCUUCA 224 A-118434.1 UGAAGGCCAAUUUCCAGAG 307 NM_001735.2_2735-2753_as AD-58179.1 UM A-118435.1 GCAAGAUAUUUUUAUAAUA 225 A-118436.1 UAUUAUAAAAAUAUCUUGC 308 NM_001735.2_784-802_as AD-58185.1 UM A-118437.1 AAUGUUUUUGUCAAGUACA 226 A-118438.1 UGUACUUGACAAAAACAUU 309 NM_001735.2_4744-4762_as AD-58144.1 UM A-118439.1 UUAAACAACAAGUACCUUU 227 A-118440.1 AAAGGUACUUGUUGUUUAA 310 NM_001735.2_982-1000_as AD-58150.1 UM A-118441.1 UCAGAAAGUCUGUGAAGGA 228 A-118442.1 UCCUUCACAGACUUUCUGA 311 NM_001735.2_4578-4596_as AD-58156.1 UM A-118443.1 ACUGAAGCAUUUGAUGCAA 229 A-118444.1 UUGCAUCAAAUGCUUCAGU 312 NM_001735.2_169-187_as AD-58162.1 UM A-118445.1 AGUUCUGUGUUAAAAUGUC 230 A-118446.1 GACAUUUUAACACAGAACU 313 NM_001735.2_2591-2609_as AD-58168.1 UM A-118447.1 GAUUUUGAGUGUAAAAGGA 231 A-118448.1 UCCUUUUACACUCAAAAUC 314 NM_001735.2_2955-2973_as AD-58174.1 UM A-118449.1 UGAUGAACCUUGUAAAGAA 232 A-118450.1 UUCUUUACAAGGUUCAUCA 315 NM_001735.2_2025-2043_as AD-58180.1 UM A-118451.1 CAUUGGAACAUUUUUCAUU 233 A-118452.1 AAUGAAAAAUGUUCCAAUG 316 NM_001735.2_3118-3136_as AD-58186.1 UM A-118453.1 CCAGAAAUUCGGAGUUAUU 234 A-118454.1 AAUAACUCCGAAUUUCUGG 317 NM_001735.2_2317-2335_as AD-58145.1 UM A-118455.1 CCUGGGAGAUAAAACUCAC 235 A-118456.1 GUGAGUUUUAUCUCCCAGG 318 NM_001735.2_3618-3636_as AD-58151.1 UM A-118457.1 AAAUGAUGAACCUUGUAAA 236 A-118458.1 UUUACAAGGUUCAUCAUUU 319 NM_001735.2_2022-2040_as AD-58157.1 UM A-118459.1 UGCUCAAGUCACAUUUGAU 237 A-118460.1 AUCAAAUGUGACUUGAGCA 320 NM_001735.2_918-936_as AD-58163.1 UM A-118461.1 GAUUGCAUAUGCUUAUAAA 238 A-118462.1 UUUAUAAGCAUAUGCAAUC 321 NM_001735.2_4698-4716_as AD-58169.1 UM A-118463.1 UAUCCUGAUAAAAAAUUUA 239 A-118464.1 UAAAUUUUUUAUCAGGAUA 322 NM_001735.2_205-223_as AD-58175.1 UM A-118465.1 GAAGUUUGCAGCUUUUAUU 240 A-118466.1 AAUAAAAGCUGCAAACUUC 323 NM_001735.2_4147-4165_as AD-58181.1 UM A-118467.1 AGAAAUUGAUCAUAUUGGA 241 A-118468.1 UCCAAUAUGAUCAAUUUCU 324 NM_001735.2_555-573_as AD-58187.1 UM A-118469.1 CCUGAUAAAAAAUUUAGUU 242 A-118470.1 AACUAAAUUUUUUAUCAGG 325 NM_001735.2_208-226_as AD-58146.1 UM A-118471.1 GAAAAGAAAUCUUAGUAAA 243 A-118472.1 UUUACUAAGAUUUCUUUUC 326 NM_001735.2_2786-2804_as AD-58152.1 UM A-118473.1 UUAUCAAAGUAUAAACAUU 244 A-118474.1 AAUGUUUAUACUUUGAUAA 327 NM_001735.2_1596-1614_as AD-58158.1 UM A-118475.1 CCUACAAACUGAAUUUGGU 245 A-118476.1 ACCAAAUUCAGUUUGUAGG 328 NM_001735.2_1082-1100_as AD-58164.1 UM A-118477.1 GGAGCAAACAUAUGUCAUU 246 A-118478.1 AAUGACAUAUGUUUGCUCC 329 NM_001735.2_87-105_as AD-58170.1 UM A-118479.1 AUGUAACAACUGUAGUUCA 247 A-118480.1 UGAACUACAGUUGUUACAU 330 NM_001735.2_4109-4127_as AD-58176.1 UM A-118481.1 GGAAAUCAUUGGAACAUUU 248 A-118482.1 AAAUGUUCCAAUGAUUUCC 331 NM_001735.2_3112-3130_as AD-58182.1 UM A-118483.1 UAAGAAUUUUGAAAUUACU 249 A-118484.1 AGUAAUUUCAAAAUUCUUA 332 NM_001735.2_759-777_as AD-58188.1 UM A-118485.1 UUCUGCAACUGAAUUCGAU 250 A-118486.1 AUCGAAUUCAGUUGCAGAA 333 NM_001735.2_4412-4430_as AD-58147.1 UM A-118487.1 CCUUGGAAAGAGUAUUUCA 251 A-118488.1 UGAAAUACUCUUUCCAAGG 334 NM_001735.2_1886-1904_as AD-58153.1 UM A-118489.1 UGAUAAAAAAUUUAGUUAC 252 A-118490.1 GUAACUAAAUUUUUUAUCA 335 NM_001735.2_210-228_as AD-58159.1 UM A-118491.1 CUUGGAAAGAGUAUUUCAA 253 A-118492.1 UUGAAAUACUCUUUCCAAG 336 NM_001735.2_1887-1905_as AD-58190.1 UM A-118519.1 CACUAUAAUUACUUGAUUU 254 A-118520.1 AAAUCAAGUAAUUAUAGUG 337 NM_001735.2_1522-1540_as AD-58196.1 UM A-118521.1 UAACUCACUAUAAUUACUU 255 A-118522.1 AAGUAAUUAUAGUGAGUUA 338 NM_001735.2_1517-1535_as AD-58202.1 UM A-118523.1 ACAAAAUAACUCACUAUAA 256 A-118524.1 UUAUAGUGAGUUAUUUUGU 339 NM_001735.2_1511-1529_as AD-58208.1 UM A-118525.1 UCCUCUGGAAAUUGGCCUU 257 A-118526.1 AAGGCCAAUUUCCAGAGGA 340 NM_001735.2_2733-2751_as AD-58214.1 UM A-118527.1 CAAAAUAACUCACUAUAAU 258 A-118528.1 AUUAUAGUGAGUUAUUUUG 341 NM_001735.2_1512-1530_as AD-58220.1 UM A-118529.1 CUCUGGAAAUUGGCCUUCA 259 A-118530.1 UGAAGGCCAAUUUCCAGAG 342 NM_001735.2_2735-2753_as AD-58226.1 UM A-118531.1 GCAAGAUAUUUUUAUAAUA 260 A-118532.1 UAUUAUAAAAAUAUCUUGC 343 NM_001735.2_784-802_as AD-58231.1 UM A-118533.1 AAUGUUUUUGUCAAGUACA 261 A-118534.1 UGUACUUGACAAAAACAUU 344 NM_001735.2_4744-4762_as AD-58191.1 UM A-118535.1 UUAAACAACAAGUACCUUU 262 A-118536.1 AAAGGUACUUGUUGUUUAA 345 NM_001735.2_982-1000_as AD-58197.1 UM A-118537.1 UCAGAAAGUCUGUGAAGGA 263 A-118538.1 UCCUUCACAGACUUUCUGA 346 NM_001735.2_4578-4596_as AD-58203.1 UM A-118539.1 ACUGAAGCAUUUGAUGCAA 264 A-118540.1 UUGCAUCAAAUGCUUCAGU 347 NM_001735.2_169-187_as AD-58209.1 UM A-118541.1 AGUUCUGUGUUAAAAUGUC 265 A-118542.1 GACAUUUUAACACAGAACU 348 NM_001735.2_2591-2609_as AD-58233.1 UM A-118565.1 CACUAUAAUUACUUGAUUU 266 A-118566.1 AAAUCAAGUAAUUAUAGUG 349 NM_001735.2_1522-1540_as AD-58193.1 UM A-118567.1 UAACUCACUAUAAUUACUU 267 A-118568.1 AAGUAAUUAUAGUGAGUUA 350 NM_001735.2_1517-1535_as AD-58199.1 UM A-118569.1 ACAAAAUAACUCACUAUAA 268 A-118570.1 UUAUAGUGAGUUAUUUUGU 351 NM_001735.2_1511-1529_as AD-58205.1 UM A-118571.1 UCCUCUGGAAAUUGGCCUU 269 A-118572.1 AAGGCCAAUUUCCAGAGGA 352 NM_001735.2_2733-2751_as AD-58211.1 UM A-118573.1 CAAAAUAACUCACUAUAAU 270 A-118574.1 AUUAUAGUGAGUUAUUUUG 353 NM_001735.2_1512-1530_as AD-58217.1 UM A-118575.1 CUCUGGAAAUUGGCCUUCA 271 A-118576.1 UGAAGGCCAAUUUCCAGAG 354 NM_001735.2_2735-2753_as AD-58223.1 UM A-118577.1 GCAAGAUAUUUUUAUAAUA 272 A-118578.1 UAUUAUAAAAAUAUCUUGC 355 NM_001735.2_784-802_as AD-58229.1 UM A-118579.1 AAUGUUUUUGUCAAGUACA 273 A-118580.1 UGUACUUGACAAAAACAUU 356 NM_001735.2_4744-4762_as AD-58234.1 UM A-118581.1 UUAAACAACAAGUACCUUU 274 A-118582.1 AAAGGUACUUGUUGUUUAA 357 NM_001735.2_982-1000_as AD-58194.1 UM A-118583.1 UCAGAAAGUCUGUGAAGGA 275 A-118584.1 UCCUUCACAGACUUUCUGA 358 NM_001735.2_4578-4596_as AD-58200.1 UM A-118585.1 ACUGAAGCAUUUGAUGCAA 276 A-118586.1 UUGCAUCAAAUGCUUCAGU 359 NM_001735.2_169-187_as AD-58206.1 UM A-118587.1 AGUUCUGUGUUAAAAUGUC 277 A-118588.1 GACAUUUUAACACAGAACU 360 NM_001735.2_2591-2609_as AD-58236.1 UM A-118423.2 CACUAUAAUUACUUGAUUU 278 A-118644.1 AAAUCAAGUAAUUAUAGUG 361 NM_001735.2_1522-1540_as AD-58242.1 UM A-118425.2 UAACUCACUAUAAUUACUU 279 A-118645.1 AAGUAAUUAUAGUGAGUUA 362 NM_001735.2_1517-1535_as AD-58248.1 UM A-118427.2 ACAAAAUAACUCACUAUAA 280 A-118646.1 UUAUAGUGAGUUAUUUUGU 363 NM_001735.2_1511-1529_as AD-58254.1 UM A-118429.2 UCCUCUGGAAAUUGGCCUU 281 A-118647.1 AAGGCCAAUUUCCAGAGGA 364 NM_001735.2_2733-2751_as AD-58260.1 UM A-118431.2 CAAAAUAACUCACUAUAAU 282 A-118648.1 AUUAUAGUGAGUUAUUUUG 365 NM_001735.2_1512-1530_as AD-58266.1 UM A-118433.2 CUCUGGAAAUUGGCCUUCA 283 A-118649.1 UGAAGGCCAAUUUCCAGAG 366 NM_001735.2_2735-2753_as AD-58272.1 UM A-118435.2 GCAAGAUAUUUUUAUAAUA 284 A-118650.1 UAUUAUAAAAAUAUCUUGC 367 NM_001735.2_784-802_as AD-58277.1 UM A-118437.2 AAUGUUUUUGUCAAGUACA 285 A-118651.1 UGUACUUGACAAAAACAUU 368 NM_001735.2_4744-4762_as AD-58237.1 UM A-118439.2 UUAAACAACAAGUACCUUU 286 A-118652.1 AAAGGUACUUGUUGUUUAA 369 NM_001735.2_982-1000_as AD-58243.1 UM A-118441.2 UCAGAAAGUCUGUGAAGGA 287 A-118653.1 UCCUUCACAGACUUUCUGA 370 NM_001735.2_4578-4596_as AD-58249.1 UM A-118443.2 ACUGAAGCAUUUGAUGCAA 288 A-118654.1 UUGCAUCAAAUGCUUCAGU 371 NM_001735.2_169-187_as AD-58255.1 UM A-118445.2 AGUUCUGUGUUAAAAUGUC 289 A-118655.1 GACAUUUUAACACAGAACU 372 NM_001735.2_2591-2609_as AD-58279.1 UM A-118423.3 CACUAUAAUUACUUGAUUU 290 A-118667.1 AAAUCAAGUAAUUAUAGUG 373 NM_001735.2_1522-1540_as AD-58239.1 UM A-118425.3 UAACUCACUAUAAUUACUU 291 A-118668.1 AAGUAAUUAUAGUGAGUUA 374 NM_001735.2_1517-1535_as AD-58245.1 UM A-118427.3 ACAAAAUAACUCACUAUAA 292 A-118669.1 UUAUAGUGAGUUAUUUUGU 375 NM_001735.2_1511-1529_as AD-58251.1 UM A-118429.3 UCCUCUGGAAAUUGGCCUU 293 A-118670.1 AAGGCCAAUUUCCAGAGGA 376 NM_001735.2_2733-2751_as AD-58257.1 UM A-118431.3 CAAAAUAACUCACUAUAAU 294 A-118671.1 AUUAUAGUGAGUUAUUUUG 377 NM_001735.2_1512-1530_as AD-58263.1 UM A-118433.3 CUCUGGAAAUUGGCCUUCA 295 A-118672.1 UGAAGGCCAAUUUCCAGAG 378 NM_001735.2_2735-2753_as AD-58269.1 UM A-118435.3 GCAAGAUAUUUUUAUAAUA 296 A-118673.1 UAUUAUAAAAAUAUCUUGC 379 NM_001735.2_784-802_as AD-58275.1 UM A-118437.3 AAUGUUUUUGUCAAGUACA 297 A-118674.1 UGUACUUGACAAAAACAUU 380 NM_001735.2_4744-4762_as AD-58280.1 UM A-118439.3 UUAAACAACAAGUACCUUU 298 A-118675.1 AAAGGUACUUGUUGUUUAA 381 NM_001735.2_982-1000_as AD-58240.1 UM A-118441.3 UCAGAAAGUCUGUGAAGGA 299 A-118676.1 UCCUUCACAGACUUUCUGA 382 NM_001735.2_4578-4596_as AD-58246.1 UM A-118443.3 ACUGAAGCAUUUGAUGCAA 300 A-118677.1 UUGCAUCAAAUGCUUCAGU 383 NM_001735.2_169-187_as AD-58252.1 UM A-118445.3 AGUUCUGUGUUAAAAUGUC 301 A-118678.1 GACAUUUUAACACAGAACU 384 NM_001735.2_2591-2609_as

TABLE 6 Modified Sense and Antisense Strand Sequences of C5 dsRNAs SEQ ID SEQ ID Duplex ID Sense strand Sense sequence NO: Antisense Antisense sequence NO: Species_Oligo name⁵ AD-58143.1 A-118423.1 cAcuAuAAuuAcuuGAuuudTsdT 385 A-118424.1 AAAUcAAGuAAUuAuAGUGdTsdT 468 AD-58149.1 A-118425.1 uAAcucAcuAuAAuuAcuudTsdT 386 A-118426.1 AAGuAAUuAuAGUGAGUuAdTsdT 469 AD-58155.1 A-118427.1 AcAAAAuAAcucAcuAuAAdTsdT 387 A-118428.1 UuAuAGUGAGUuAUUUUGUdTsdT 470 AD-58161.1 A-118429.1 uccucuGGAAAuuGGccuudTsdT 388 A-118430.1 AAGGCcAAUUUCcAGAGGAdTsdT 471 AD-58167.1 A-118431.1 cAAAAuAAcucAcuAuAAudTsdT 389 A-118432.1 AUuAuAGUGAGUuAUUUUGdTsdT 472 AD-58173.1 A-118433.1 cucuGGAAAuuGGccuucAdTsdT 390 A-118434.1 UGAAGGCcAAUUUCcAGAGdTsdT 473 AD-58179.1 A-118435.1 GcAAGAuAuuuuuAuAAuAdTsdT 391 A-118436.1 uAUuAuAAAAAuAUCUUGCdTsdT 474 AD-58185.1 A-118437.1 AAuGuuuuuGucAAGuAcAdTsdT 392 A-118438.1 UGuACUUGAcAAAAAcAUUdTsdT 475 AD-58144.1 A-118439.1 uuAAAcAAcAAGuAccuuudTsdT 393 A-118440.1 AAAGGuACUUGUUGUUuAAdTsdT 476 AD-58150.1 A-118441.1 ucAGAAAGucuGuGAAGGAdTsdT 394 A-118442.1 UCCUUcAcAGACUUUCUGAdTsdT 477 AD-58156.1 A-118443.1 AcuGAAGcAuuuGAuGcAAdTsdT 395 A-118444.1 UUGcAUcAAAUGCUUcAGUdTsdT 478 AD-58162.1 A-118445.1 AGuucuGuGuuAAAAuGucdTsdT 396 A-118446.1 GAcAUUUuAAcAcAGAACUdTsdT 479 AD-58168.1 A-118447.1 GAuuuuGAGuGuAAAAGGAdTsdT 397 A-118448.1 UCCUUUuAcACUcAAAAUCdTsdT 480 AD-58174.1 A-118449.1 uGAuGAAccuuGuAAAGAAdTsdT 398 A-118450.1 UUCUUuAcAAGGUUcAUcAdTsdT 481 AD-58180.1 A-118451.1 cAuuGGAAcAuuuuucAuudTsdT 399 A-118452.1 AAUGAAAAAUGUUCcAAUGdTsdT 482 AD-58186.1 A-118453.1 ccAGAAAuucGGAGuuAuudTsdT 400 A-118454.1 AAuAACUCCGAAUUUCUGGdTsdT 483 AD-58145.1 A-118455.1 ccuGGGAGAuAAAAcucAcdTsdT 401 A-118456.1 GUGAGUUUuAUCUCCcAGGdTsdT 484 AD-58151.1 A-118457.1 AAAuGAuGAAccuuGuAAAdTsdT 402 A-118458.1 UUuAcAAGGUUcAUcAUUUdTsdT 485 AD-58157.1 A-118459.1 uGcucAAGucAcAuuuGAudTsdT 403 A-118460.1 AUcAAAUGUGACUUGAGcAdTsdT 486 AD-58163.1 A-118461.1 GAuuGcAuAuGcuuAuAAAdTsdT 404 A-118462.1 UUuAuAAGcAuAUGcAAUCdTsdT 487 AD-58169.1 A-118463.1 uAuccuGAuAAAAAAuuuAdTsdT 405 A-118464.1 uAAAUUUUUuAUcAGGAuAdTsdT 488 AD-58175.1 A-118465.1 GAAGuuuGcAGcuuuuAuudTsdT 406 A-118466.1 AAuAAAAGCUGcAAACUUCdTsdT 489 AD-58181.1 A-118467.1 AGAAAuuGAucAuAuuGGAdTsdT 407 A-118468.1 UCcAAuAUGAUcAAUUUCUdTsdT 490 AD-58187.1 A-118469.1 ccuGAuAAAAAAuuuAGuudTsdT 408 A-118470.1 AACuAAAUUUUUuAUcAGGdTsdT 491 AD-58146.1 A-118471.1 GAAAAGAAAucuuAGuAAAdTsdT 409 A-118472.1 UUuACuAAGAUUUCUUUUCdTsdT 492 AD-58152.1 A-118473.1 uuAucAAAGuAuAAAcAuudTsdT 410 A-118474.1 AAUGUUuAuACUUUGAuAAdTsdT 493 AD-58158.1 A-118475.1 ccuAcAAAcuGAAuuuGGudTsdT 411 A-118476.1 ACcAAAUUcAGUUUGuAGGdTsdT 494 AD-58164.1 A-118477.1 GGAGcAAAcAuAuGucAuudTsdT 412 A-118478.1 AAUGAcAuAUGUUUGCUCCdTsdT 495 AD-58170.1 A-118479.1 AuGuAAcAAcuGuAGuucAdTsdT 413 A-118480.1 UGAACuAcAGUUGUuAcAUdTsdT 496 AD-58176.1 A-118481.1 GGAAAucAuuGGAAcAuuudTsdT 414 A-118482.1 AAAUGUUCcAAUGAUUUCCdTsdT 497 AD-58182.1 A-118483.1 uAAGAAuuuuGAAAuuAcudTsdT 415 A-118484.1 AGuAAUUUcAAAAUUCUuAdTsdT 498 AD-58188.1 A-118485.1 uucuGcAAcuGAAuucGAudTsdT 416 A-118486.1 AUCGAAUUcAGUUGcAGAAdTsdT 499 AD-58147.1 A-118487.1 ccuuGGAAAGAGuAuuucAdTsdT 417 A-118488.1 UGAAAuACUCUUUCcAAGGdTsdT 500 AD-58153.1 A-118489.1 uGAuAAAAAAuuuAGuuAcdTsdT 418 A-118490.1 GuAACuAAAUUUUUuAUcAdTsdT 501 AD-58159.1 A-118491.1 cuuGGAAAGAGuAuuucAAdTsdT 419 A-118492.1 UUGAAAuACUCUUUCcAAGdTsdT 502 AD-58190.1 A-118519.1 CACUAUAAUUACUUGAUUUdTdT 420 A-118520.1 AAAUCAAGUAAUUAUAGUGdTdT 503 AD-58196.1 A-118521.1 UAACUCACUAUAAUUACUUdTdT 421 A-118522.1 AAGUAAUUAUAGUGAGUUAdTdT 504 AD-58202.1 A-118523.1 ACAAAAUAACUCACUAUAAdTdT 422 A-118524.1 UUAUAGUGAGUUAUUUUGUdTdT 505 AD-58208.1 A-118525.1 UCCUCUGGAAAUUGGCCUUdTdT 423 A-118526.1 AAGGCCAAUUUCCAGAGGAdTdT 506 AD-58214.1 A-118527.1 CAAAAUAACUCACUAUAAUdTdT 424 A-118528.1 AUUAUAGUGAGUUAUUUUGdTdT 507 AD-58220.1 A-118529.1 CUCUGGAAAUUGGCCUUCAdTdT 425 A-118530.1 UGAAGGCCAAUUUCCAGAGdTdT 508 AD-58226.1 A-118531.1 GCAAGAUAUUUUUAUAAUAdTdT 426 A-118532.1 UAUUAUAAAAAUAUCUUGCdTdT 509 AD-58231.1 A-118533.1 AAUGUUUUUGUCAAGUACAdTdT 427 A-118534.1 UGUACUUGACAAAAACAUUdTdT 510 AD-58191.1 A-118535.1 UUAAACAACAAGUACCUUUdTdT 428 A-118536.1 AAAGGUACUUGUUGUUUAAdTdT 511 AD-58197.1 A-118537.1 UCAGAAAGUCUGUGAAGGAdTdT 429 A-118538.1 UCCUUCACAGACUUUCUGAdTdT 512 AD-58203.1 A-118539.1 ACUGAAGCAUUUGAUGCAAdTdT 430 A-118540.1 UUGCAUCAAAUGCUUCAGUdTdT 513 AD-58209.1 A-118541.1 AGUUCUGUGUUAAAAUGUCdTdT 431 A-118542.1 GACAUUUUAACACAGAACUdTdT 514 AD-58233.1 A-118565.1 CfACfUfAUfAAUfUfACfUfUfGAUfUfUfdTsdT 432 A-118566.1 AAAUCfAAGUfAAUUfAUfAGUGdTsdT 515 AD-58193.1 A-118567.1 UfAACfUfCfACfUfAUfAAUfUfACfUfUfdTsdT 433 A-118568.1 AAGUfAAUUfAUfAGUGAGUUfAdTsdT 516 AD-58199.1 A-118569.1 ACfAAAAUfAACfUfCfACfUfAUfAAdTsdT 434 A-118570.1 UUfAUfAGUGAGUUfAUUUUGUdTsdT 517 AD-58205.1 A-118571.1 UfCfCfUfCfUfGGAAAUfUfGGCfCfUfUfdTsdT 435 A-118572.1 AAGGCCfAAUUUCCfAGAGGAdTsdT 518 AD-58211.1 A-118573.1 CfAAAAUfAACfUfCfACfUfAUfAAUfdTsdT 436 A-118574.1 AUUfAUfAGUGAGUUfAUUUUGdTsdT 519 AD-58217.1 A-118575.1 CfUfCfUfGGAAAUfUfGGCfCfUfUfCfAdTsdT 437 A-118576.1 UGAAGGCCfAAUUUCCfAGAGdTsdT 520 AD-58223.1 A-118577.1 GCfAAGAUfAUfUfUfUfUfAUfAAUfAdTsdT 438 A-118578.1 UfAUUfAUfAAAAAUfAUCUUGCdTsdT 521 AD-58229.1 A-118579.1 AAUfGUfUfUfUfUfGUfCfAAGUfACfAdTsdT 439 A-118580.1 UGUfACUUGACfAAAAACfAUUdTsdT 522 AD-58234.1 A-118581.1 UfUfAAACfAACfAAGUfACfCfUfUfUfdTsdT 440 A-118582.1 AAAGGUfACUUGUUGUUUfAAdTsdT 523 AD-58194.1 A-118583.1 UfCfAGAAAGUfCfUfGUfGAAGGAdTsdT 441 A-118584.1 UCCUUCfACfAGACUUUCUGAdTsdT 524 AD-58200.1 A-118585.1 ACfUfGAAGCfAUfUfUfGAUfGCfAAdTsdT 442 A-118586.1 UUGCfAUCfAAAUGCUUCfAGUdTsdT 525 AD-58206.1 A-118587.1 AGUfUfCfUfGUfGUfUfAAAAUfGUfCfdTsdT 443 A-118588.1 GACfAUUUUfAACfACfAGAACUdTsdT 526 AD-58236.1 A-118423.2 cAcuAuAAuuAcuuGAuuudTsdT 444 A-118644.1 AAAUcAAGuAAUuAuAGuGdTsdT 527 AD-58242.1 A-118425.2 uAAcucAcuAuAAuuAcuudTsdT 445 A-118645.1 AAGuAAUuAuAGuGAGUuAdTsdT 528 AD-58248.1 A-118427.2 AcAAAAuAAcucAcuAuAAdTsdT 446 A-118646.1 UuAuAGuGAGUuAuUuuGUdTsdT 529 AD-58254.1 A-118429.2 uccucuGGAAAuuGGccuudTsdT 447 A-118647.1 AAGGCcAAuUUCcAGAGGAdTsdT 530 AD-58260.1 A-118431.2 cAAAAuAAcucAcuAuAAudTsdT 448 A-118648.1 AUuAuAGuGAGUuAuUuuGdTsdT 531 AD-58266.1 A-118433.2 cucuGGAAAuuGGccuucAdTsdT 449 A-118649.1 uGAAGGCcAAuUUCcAGAGdTsdT 532 AD-58272.1 A-118435.2 GcAAGAuAuuuuuAuAAuAdTsdT 450 A-118650.1 uAUuAuAAAAAuAUCuuGCdTsdT 533 AD-58277.1 A-118437.2 AAuGuuuuuGucAAGuAcAdTsdT 451 A-118651.1 uGuACuuGAcAAAAAcAuUdTsdT 534 AD-58237.1 A-118439.2 uuAAAcAAcAAGuAccuuudTsdT 452 A-118652.1 AAAGGuACuuGuuGuUuAAdTsdT 535 AD-58243.1 A-118441.2 ucAGAAAGucuGuGAAGGAdTsdT 453 A-118653.1 UCCuUcAcAGACuUUCuGAdTsdT 536 AD-58249.1 A-118443.2 AcuGAAGcAuuuGAuGcAAdTsdT 454 A-118654.1 uuGcAUcAAAuGCuUcAGUdTsdT 537 AD-58255.1 A-118445.2 AGuucuGuGuuAAAAuGucdTsdT 455 A-118655.1 GAcAuUUuAAcAcAGAACUdTsdT 538 AD-58279.1 A-118423.3 cAcuAuAAuuAcuuGAuuudTsdT 456 A-118667.1 AAAUCAAGuAAuuAuAgugdTsdT 539 AD-58239.1 A-118425.3 uAAcucAcuAuAAuuAcuudTsdT 457 A-118668.1 AAGuAAuUAuAGuGAGuuadTsdT 540 AD-58245.1 A-118427.3 AcAAAAuAAcucAcuAuAAdTsdT 458 A-118669.1 UuAuAGuGAGuuAuuuugudTsdT 541 AD-58251.1 A-118429.3 uccucuGGAAAuuGGccuudTsdT 459 A-118670.1 AAGGCCAAuUuCCAGAggadTsdT 542 AD-58257.1 A-118431.3 cAAAAuAAcucAcuAuAAudTsdT 460 A-118671.1 AuUAuAGuGAGuuAuuuugdTsdT 543 AD-58263.1 A-118433.3 cucuGGAAAuuGGccuucAdTsdT 461 A-118672.1 UGAAGGCCAAuuuCCAgagdTsdT 544 AD-58269.1 A-118435.3 GcAAGAuAuuuuuAuAAuAdTsdT 462 A-118673.1 UAuUAuAAAAAuAuCuugcdTsdT 545 AD-58275.1 A-118437.3 AAuGuuuuuGucAAGuAcAdTsdT 463 A-118674.1 UGuACuUGACAAAAACauudTsdT 546 AD-58280.1 A-118439.3 uuAAAcAAcAAGuAccuuudTsdT 464 A-118675.1 AAAGGuACuUGuuGuuuaadTsdT 547 AD-58240.1 A-118441.3 ucAGAAAGucuGuGAAGGAdTsdT 465 A-118676.1 UCCuUCACAGACuuuCugadTsdT 548 AD-58246.1 A-118443.3 AcuGAAGcAuuuGAuGcAAdTsdT 466 A-118677.1 UuGCAUCAAAuGCuuCagudTsdT 549 AD-58252.1 A-118445.3 AGuucuGuGuuAAAAuGucdTsdT 467 A-118678.1 GACAuUuUAACACAGAacudTsdT 550 5The Species Oligo name and the position in the nucleotide sequence of the GenBank record that the antisense strand targets correspond to those shown in Table 5.

TABLE 7 C5 single dose screen in Hep3B cells with GalNAC conjugated iRNAs 10 nM 0.1 nM 10 nM 0.1 nM Duplex ID AVG AVG STDEV STDEV AD-58093.1 15.62 21.60 7.48 6.52 AD-58099.1 9.07 14.70 1.18 4.65 AD-58105.1 36.71 60.23 5.07 19.83 AD-58111.1 11.83 22.78 3.51 12.75 AD-58117.1 12.43 33.46 2.00 23.56 AD-58123.1 8.05 15.18 2.89 7.94 AD-58129.1 10.77 40.06 1.30 19.66 AD-58088.1 6.55 16.40 1.24 4.58 AD-58094.1 19.59 40.68 7.64 12.30 AD-58100.1 10.92 20.12 0.74 8.38 AD-58106.1 10.97 37.23 2.49 19.95 AD-58112.1 13.24 29.32 2.90 14.08 AD-58118.1 6.63 15.23 0.54 5.72 AD-58124.1 7.17 13.00 1.44 6.48 AD-58130.1 10.38 17.92 2.36 6.92 AD-58089.1 8.81 30.67 2.91 10.53 AD-58095.1 8.72 14.66 1.04 3.37 AD-58101.1 8.17 19.36 1.30 5.69 AD-58107.1 4.84 18.10 1.66 7.21 AD-58113.1 8.78 14.62 1.77 7.89 AD-58119.1 8.90 15.01 0.91 7.35 AD-58125.1 11.13 17.04 2.61 9.03 AD-58131.1 13.50 40.14 1.08 12.07 AD-58090.1 7.90 21.57 2.95 6.61 AD-58096.1 8.02 16.56 1.54 6.68 AD-58102.1 12.40 27.93 1.83 11.78 AD-58108.1 12.02 15.07 2.88 5.74 AD-58114.1 11.86 25.05 1.48 9.46 AD-58120.1 7.65 10.57 0.58 3.56 AD-58126.1 8.45 15.39 2.08 7.42 AD-58132.1 8.50 19.26 2.52 9.38 AD-58091.1 8.68 18.05 2.95 6.62 AD-58097.1 9.31 23.02 0.67 10.10 AD-58103.1 8.53 17.23 2.90 7.27 AD-1955 57.41 81.16 10.76 5.29 Mock 78.61 75.97 5.70 2.76 Untreated 100 100 6.13 5.98

TABLE 8 C5 single dose transfection screen in primary mouse hepatocytes with GalNAC conjugated iRNAs 10 nM 0.1 nM 10 nM 0.1 nM Duplex ID AVG AVG STDEV STDEV AD-58093.1 1.53 1.65 0.17 0.25 AD-58099.1 1.65 1.50 0.61 0.22 AD-58105.1 11.20 46.95 0.08 3.89 AD-58111.1 2.49 2.13 0.26 0.20 AD-58117.1 3.57 31.91 0.93 0.62 AD-58123.1 4.29 2.97 0.11 2.22 AD-58129.1 1.19 8.53 0.23 0.72 AD-58088.1 0.84 1.34 0.68 0.07 AD-58094.1 11.34 66.82 0.17 3.01 AD-58100.1 2.78 1.51 0.43 0.33 AD-58106.1 6.79 52.91 4.42 6.78 AD-58121.1 1.94 2.15 0.04 0.91 AD-58133.1 1.74 3.25 0.19 1.64 AD-58116.1 1.76 2.21 1.27 0.78 AD-1955 87.39 91.71 5.77 4.68 Mock 79.67 89.02 1.51 3.91 Untreated 100 100 6.39 13.11

TABLE 9 C5 single dose screen in primary Cynomolgus hepatocytes with GalNAC conjugated iRNAs 500 nM 5 nM 500 nM 5 nM Duplex ID AVG AVG STDEV STDEV AD-58093.1 63.94 83.09 2.14 12.65 AD-58099.1 61.34 85.85 12.32 21.95 AD-58105.1 91.98 97.57 6.09 11.48 AD-58111.1 71.27 92.28 1.93 12.72 AD-58117.1 73.42 88.82 3.24 11.08 AD-58123.1 75.14 73.06 7.72 9.71 AD-58129.1 81.66 90.62 2.13 4.77 AD-58088.1 53.63 87.03 5.93 19.86 AD-58094.1 89.62 93.65 0.87 14.76 AD-58100.1 79.56 96.70 4.31 1.10 AD-58106.1 116.24 125.99 14.28 40.65 AD-58112.1 97.19 107.81 N/A 3.13 AD-58118.1 67.40 97.38 5.28 22.64 AD-58124.1 58.04 96.14 8.72 10.64 AD-58130.1 84.19 88.65 10.50 4.34 AD-58089.1 83.83 83.44 1.91 12.26 AD-58095.1 58.53 78.02 15.07 12.45 AD-58101.1 76.68 76.73 3.95 6.35 AD-58107.1 57.37 86.78 14.71 2.99 AD-58113.1 37.79 71.10 8.27 7.76 AD-58119.1 36.77 83.16 3.42 9.66 AD-58125.1 72.40 96.53 4.46 4.96 AD-58131.1 95.58 101.69 10.17 2.21 AD-58090.1 56.37 75.00 3.21 4.97 AD-58096.1 44.33 57.99 11.46 25.17 AD-58102.1 95.46 89.35 0.83 1.76 AD-58108.1 41.54 56.41 8.41 0.14 AD-58114.1 88.32 101.88 20.02 30.29 AD-58120.1 37.34 56.41 0.73 2.14 AD-58126.1 84.97 105.90 2.39 7.96 AD-58132.1 81.55 85.12 12.93 8.94 AD-58091.1 78.88 84.60 44.66 17.40 AD-58097.1 106.06 98.16 13.74 3.14 AD-58103.1 57.21 89.46 6.40 5.93 Untreated 100 100 8.77 10.33

TABLE 10 C5 single dose free uptake screen in primary mouse hepatocytes with GalNAC conjugated iRNAs 500 nM 5 nM 500 nM 5 nM Duplex ID AVG AVG STDEV STDEV AD-58093.1 31.62 64.91 7.13 8.39 AD-58099.1 9.46 29.63 1.29 5.66 AD-58105.1 84.77 96.41 5.22 1.89 AD-58111.1 17.35 50.95 1.21 3.16 AD-58117.1 94.95 139.52 15.43 43.39 AD-58123.1 13.07 44.58 2.11 3.49 AD-58129.1 68.87 85.04 2.62 4.42 AD-58088.1 17.61 48.22 2.22 3.40 AD-58094.1 95.92 104.23 4.16 6.53 AD-58100.1 34.92 61.71 1.30 2.15 AD-58106.1 85.26 107.53 2.30 3.38 AD-58121.1 12.88 43.76 1.41 1.28 AD-58133.1 20.97 42.76 0.24 0.11 AD-58116.1 8.35 38.04 1.35 1.40 Untreated 100.00 100.00 3.85 4.38

TABLE 11 IC₅₀ data in primary Cynomolgus hepatocytes with GalNAC conjugated iRNAs Duplex ID IC₅₀ (nM) STDEV AD-58099.1 3.131 1.141 AD-58111.1 12.750 5.280 AD-58123.1 0.679 7.587 AD-58088.1 0.218 3.487 AD-58113.1 7.296 3.540 AD-58119.1 33.240 14.740 AD-58096.1 10.380 4.199 AD-58108.1 0.953 10.080 AD-58120.1 36.170 88.070

TABLE 12 IC₅₀ data in primary mouse hepatocytes with GalNAC conjugated iRNAs Duplex ID IC₅₀ (nM) STDEV AD-58099 3.777 0.122 AD-58111 0.622 2.421 AD-58123 0.549 1.626 AD-58088 9.513 2.588 AD-58121 2.169 1.176 AD-58133 3.802 1.006 AD-58116 2.227 0.604 AD-58644.1 4.596 0.3506 AD-58651.1 59.76 51.99 AD-58641.1 0.82 0.2618 AD-58648.1 7.031 1.256 AD-58642.1 0.5414 0.7334 AD-58649.1 3.32 4.922 AD-58647.1 1.356 0.5215 AD-58654.1 2.09 0.8338 AD-58645.1 2.944 0.3315 AD-58652.1 5.316 2.477 AD-58643.1 2.179 1.112 AD-58650.1 8.223 3.76 AD-58646.1 2.581 0.8186 AD-58653.1 2.451 1.249

TABLE 13 C5 single dose screen in Hep3B cells with modified and unmodified iRNAs 1 nM 0.01 nM 1 nM 0.01 nM Duplex AVG AVG STDEV STDEV AD-58143.1 12.13 100.58 3.47 3.94 AD-58149.1 10.46 64.97 0.98 0.00 AD-58155.1 44.88 76.24 1.56 3.74 AD-58161.1 8.51 102.30 1.06 0.50 AD-58167.1 6.54 76.24 1.15 3.74 AD-58173.1 6.85 107.44 0.85 4.74 AD-58179.1 10.19 78.07 0.59 1.15 AD-58185.1 29.46 79.99 3.64 0.78 AD-58144.1 16.82 81.95 1.09 0.40 AD-58150.1 11.05 76.20 2.55 0.00 AD-58156.1 25.92 76.73 2.72 1.50 AD-58162.1 13.25 71.89 0.43 3.87 AD-58168.1 9.74 45.16 0.52 1.11 AD-58174.1 4.84 70.14 0.25 2.75 AD-58180.1 9.41 56.77 1.91 1.95 AD-58186.1 9.97 68.91 1.03 0.34 AD-58145.1 14.29 103.38 1.94 2.03 AD-58151.1 10.16 81.17 1.71 4.77 AD-58157.1 4.72 63.19 1.05 0.00 AD-58163.1 4.95 40.13 1.65 0.59 AD-58169.1 17.02 83.10 1.88 2.04 AD-58175.1 8.30 62.54 0.28 0.31 AD-58181.1 21.89 55.26 4.22 3.52 AD-58187.1 61.96 71.12 2.61 2.79 AD-58146.1 14.25 95.23 2.64 6.53 AD-58152.1 11.22 70.09 0.80 7.88 AD-58158.1 7.96 98.86 0.76 4.36 AD-58164.1 11.60 43.83 2.06 3.43 AD-58170.1 12.28 39.59 0.96 1.36 AD-58176.1 6.89 38.77 1.04 1.33 AD-58182.1 18.65 55.78 0.96 0.55 AD-58188.1 5.40 69.39 1.07 0.34 AD-58147.1 8.22 106.66 0.77 2.61 AD-58153.1 68.10 104.17 4.44 18.29 AD-58159.1 8.76 81.41 1.54 2.79 AD-58190.1 21.94 77.26 2.23 0.76 AD-58196.1 15.97 72.43 1.07 5.32 AD-58202.1 11.99 93.83 5.34 2.76 AD-58208.1 18.63 52.07 12.88 2.55 AD-58214.1 6.85 94.15 0.51 2.31 AD-58220.1 11.50 78.34 3.85 0.77 AD-58226.1 5.77 57.75 1.71 1.13 AD-58231.1 7.23 75.67 1.07 0.74 AD-58191.1 35.40 66.17 5.50 4.21 AD-58197.1 12.05 67.49 1.70 0.33 AD-58203.1 15.16 66.80 1.46 1.31 AD-58209.1 7.58 71.23 3.58 6.28 AD-58233.1 27.01 86.02 0.86 0.42 AD-58193.1 15.37 99.85 1.44 0.00 AD-58199.1 21.52 78.39 6.02 16.40 AD-58205.1 24.13 78.88 5.46 0.77 AD-58211.1 16.38 32.37 2.61 0.48 AD-58217.1 12.23 70.16 0.29 3.44 AD-58223.1 8.51 72.85 3.01 1.79 AD-58229.1 5.50 75.93 1.96 0.37 AD-58234.1 46.86 101.94 15.59 0.00 AD-58194.1 14.49 107.05 2.47 4.20 AD-58200.1 16.21 61.04 0.96 1.20 AD-58206.1 13.25 37.73 2.82 2.03 AD-58236.1 8.29 119.17 1.16 2.92 AD-58242.1 12.05 102.69 0.44 4.03 AD-58248.1 62.78 83.41 15.22 3.27 AD-58254.1 11.18 100.54 1.59 0.00 AD-58260.1 8.42 71.84 1.10 0.35 AD-58266.1 14.05 92.21 1.91 2.26 AD-58272.1 22.63 81.11 1.62 1.59 AD-58277.1 70.51 75.67 4.80 0.74 AD-58237.1 28.10 98.56 1.96 5.79 AD-58243.1 14.16 86.05 1.11 2.95 AD-58249.1 77.08 96.45 15.14 0.95 AD-58255.1 12.27 47.89 2.58 0.00 AD-58279.1 25.78 94.13 5.52 0.46 AD-58239.1 22.98 83.45 0.28 4.91 AD-58245.1 89.60 90.93 15.24 0.45 AD-58251.1 28.39 86.32 7.29 0.00 AD-58257.1 48.97 64.53 9.10 1.90 AD-58263.1 9.14 83.39 1.27 1.63 AD-58269.1 83.84 75.94 15.90 1.12 AD-58275.1 10.29 86.32 0.73 0.85 AD-58280.1 72.77 110.04 7.44 3.24 AD-58240.1 65.42 75.69 3.82 2.23 AD-58246.1 59.19 65.88 28.95 0.65 AD-58252.1 15.35 97.26 1.14 7.62 Mock 76.53 66.57 14.26 4.72 AD-1955 72.30 82.72 19.54 49.99 Untreated 100.00 100.00 21.68 26.78

TABLE 14 C5 single dose screen in primary mouse hepatocytes with modified and unmodified iRNAs 1 nM 0.1 nM 1 nM 0.1 nM Duplex ID AVG AVG STDEV STDEV AD-58143.1 4.51 81.77 3.13 8.75 AD-58149.1 4.65 73.16 3.14 20.17 AD-58155.1 65.56 79.74 4.66 9.36 AD-58161.1 16.82 81.11 6.22 7.43 AD-58167.1 4.72 77.12 1.17 14.25 AD-58173.1 5.57 76.00 3.14 13.52 AD-58179.1 14.55 77.88 1.44 18.40 AD-58185.1 15.69 72.59 8.67 7.81 AD-58144.1 8.70 91.49 0.90 7.08 AD-58150.1 12.51 84.01 1.64 8.20 AD-58156.1 18.23 97.32 1.47 19.50 AD-58162.1 7.72 78.89 5.19 13.80 AD-58190.1 11.86 92.80 2.82 4.41 AD-58196.1 7.27 82.71 1.39 31.81 AD-58202.1 10.67 87.11 1.04 35.79 AD-58208.1 32.21 74.39 8.60 27.45 AD-58214.1 4.24 67.63 0.45 17.85 AD-58220.1 13.64 96.14 4.56 14.36 AD-58226.1 3.83 63.44 1.30 11.94 AD-58231.1 5.95 82.24 2.80 17.36 AD-58191.1 14.50 99.50 5.48 5.53 AD-58197.1 16.12 93.09 0.81 3.21 AD-58203.1 12.52 104.63 5.98 6.02 AD-58209.1 8.79 59.35 3.05 13.07 AD-58233.1 9.50 64.26 5.69 8.70 AD-58193.1 8.88 89.60 3.36 3.08 AD-58199.1 13.56 87.14 2.18 6.44 AD-58205.1 46.84 89.13 4.48 17.16 AD-58211.1 13.10 111.62 1.10 21.54 AD-58217.1 29.79 117.49 11.85 20.41 AD-58223.1 20.53 105.44 1.94 2.98 AD-58229.1 13.76 98.15 1.05 9.03 AD-58234.1 12.33 71.34 0.72 4.17 AD-58194.1 14.02 90.60 1.39 15.64 AD-58200.1 5.25 90.95 1.37 31.70 AD-58206.1 8.19 109.47 3.99 21.75 AD-58236.1 2.07 70.19 0.80 20.59 AD-58242.1 4.76 53.26 1.59 11.56 AD-58248.1 62.42 78.23 5.47 25.85 AD-58254.1 16.47 70.22 2.92 21.74 AD-58260.1 2.84 75.65 0.38 11.59 AD-58266.1 40.70 89.88 16.05 11.57 AD-58272.1 21.42 59.44 13.29 10.98 AD-58277.1 71.72 121.44 16.35 21.16 AD-58237.1 11.85 112.68 9.22 12.88 AD-58243.1 10.46 90.64 3.42 4.33 AD-58249.1 71.47 113.30 4.30 3.84 AD-58255.1 6.86 78.55 2.22 28.37 AD-58279.1 7.15 74.96 2.84 4.72 AD-58239.1 13.64 106.45 1.87 8.25 AD-58245.1 68.67 112.08 21.89 7.73 AD-58251.1 47.01 133.20 4.69 7.14 AD-58257.1 30.68 87.51 2.87 32.84 AD-58263.1 7.22 83.23 2.55 37.50 AD-58269.1 78.90 106.06 5.07 3.04 AD-58275.1 8.92 95.77 1.91 7.14 AD-58280.1 16.67 78.47 4.15 6.06 AD-58240.1 71.03 138.54 5.32 10.87 AD-58246.1 71.87 89.02 4.95 8.63 AD-58252.1 4.04 56.10 1.23 12.02 Mock 66.84 82.81 2.75 17.19 AD-1955 87.44 102.07 3.64 4.08 Untreated 100.00 100.00 15.25 18.37

TABLE 15 IC₅₀ data in Hep3B cells with modified and unmodified iRNAs Duplex ID IC₅₀ (pM) STDEV AD-58143.1 36.35 12.26 AD-58149.1 5.735 6.196 AD-58161.1 78.12 26.64 AD-58167.1 31.03 18.14 AD-58173.1 29.12 16.53 AD-58236.1 52.73 32.02 AD-58242.1 8.859 4.321 AD-58260.1 7.706 5.094 AD-58263.1 96.64 47.61

TABLE 16 IC₅₀ data in primary mouse hepatocytes with modified and unmodified iRNAs Duplex ID IC₅₀ (pM) STDEV AD-58260.1 1.015 0.9676 AD-58149.1 1.309 1.749 AD-58167.1 1.991 2.477 AD-58242.1 0.5866 1.8 AD-58236.1 0.4517 0.06392 AD-58143.1 0.8876 0.1613 AD-58279.1 3.116 0.7368 AD-58252.1 7.153 1.021 AD-58173.1 7.144 19.88 AD-58263.1 3.224 5.478

Example 3. In Vivo Screening

A subset of seven GalNAC conjugated iRNAs was selected for further in vivo evaluation.

C57BL/6 mice (N=3 per group) were injected subcutaneously with 10 mg/kg of GalNAc conjugated duplexes or an equal volume of 1× Dulbecco's Phosphate-Buffered Saline (DPBS) (Life Technologies, Cat #14040133). Forty-eight hours later, mice were euthanized and the livers were dissected and flash frozen in liquid nitrogen. Livers were ground in a 2000 Geno/Grinder (SPEX SamplePrep, Metuchen, NJ). Approximately 10 mg of liver powder per sample was used for RNA isolation. Samples were first homogenized in a TissueLyserII (Qiagen Inc, Valencia, CA) and then RNA was extracted using a RNeasy 96 Universal Tissue Kit (Qiagen Inc, Cat #74881) following manufacturer's protocol using vacuum/spin technology. RNA concentration was measured by a NanoDrop 8000 (Thermo Scientific, Wilmington, DE) and was adjusted to 100 ng/μl. cDNA and RT-PCR were performed as described above.

The results of the single dose screen are depicted in FIG. 2 . Table 17 shows the results of an in vivo single dose screen with the indicated GalNAC conjugated modified iRNAs. Data are expressed as percent of mRNA remaining relative to DPBS treated mice. The “Experiments” column lists the number of experiments from which the average was calculated. The standard deviation is calculated from all mice in a group across all experiments analyzed.

TABLE 17 In vivo C5 single dose screen Duplex ID Experiments AVG STDEV AD-58088.2 2 82.66 13.54 AD-58644.1 1 37.79 9.63 AD-58651.1 1 75.33 5.21 AD-58099.2 2 71.94 15.45 AD-58641.1 1 20.09 4.09 AD-58648.1 1 48.43 9.07 AD-58111.2 3 67.17 13.60 AD-58642.1 2 21.78 5.32 AD-58649.1 1 45.30 14.02 AD-58116.2 2 70.16 10.32 AD-58647.1 1 26.77 4.14 AD-58654.1 1 50.06 27.85 AD-58121.2 2 52.56 13.00 AD-58645.1 1 24.60 1.29 AD-58652.1 1 52.67 3.87 AD-58123.2 2 65.70 9.60 AD-58643.1 1 23.21 2.41 AD-58650.1 1 46.75 14.10 AD-58133.2 3 51.98 13.45 AD-58646.1 2 28.67 5.34 AD-58653.1 1 43.02 10.61 PBS 3 100.00 9.03

Two of the most efficacious GalNAC conjugated iRNAs were further modified to include additional phosphorothioate linkages (Table 18) and the efficacy of these duplexes was determined in vivo as described above. The results of the single dose screen are depicted in FIG. 3 and demonstrate that the iRNA agents with additional phosphorothiate linkages are more efficacious than those iRNA agents without or with fewer phosphorothioate linkages.

TABLE 18 Phosphorothioate Modifed GalNAC Conjugated C5 iRNAs SEQ SEQ Sense ID ID Cross Duplex ID strand Sense sequence NO: Antisense Antisense sequence NO: Reactivity AD-58642.1 A-119324.1 GfsasCfaAfaAfuAfAfCfu 551 A-119325.1 asUfsuAfuAfgUfgAfguu 555 HumRheMusRat CfaCfuAfuAfaUfL96 AfuUfuUfgUfcsasa AD-58111.2 A-118316.1 GfaCfaAfaAfuAfAfCfuCf 552 A-118317.1 aUfuAfuAfgUfgAfguuAf 556 HumRheMusRat aCfuAfuAfaUfL96 uUfuUfgUfcsAfsa AD-58646.1 A-119332.1 CfsasGfaUfcAfaAfCfAfc 553 A-119333.1 asCfsuGfaAfaUfuGfugu 557 MusRat AfaUfuUfcAfgUfL96 UfuGfaUfcUfgscsa AD-58133.2 A-118386.1 CfaGfaUfcAfaAfCfAfcAf 554 A-118387.1 aCfuGfaAfaUfuGfuguUf 558 MusRat aUfuUfcAfgUfL96 uGfaUfcUfgsCfsa

Given the impact of the additional phosphorothioate linkages on the silencing ability of the iRNA agents described above, the efficacy of additional GalNAC conjugated iRNA duplexes including phosphoriothioate linkages (Table 19) was determined in vivo as described above. The results of this single dose screen are depicted in FIG. 4 .

The duration of silencing of AD-58642 in vivo was determined by administering a single 2.5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, or 25 mg/kg dose to rats and determining the amount of C5 protein (FIG. 5B) present on day 7 and the activity of C5 protein (FIG. 5A) present on days 4 and 7. As demonstrated in FIG. 5 , there is a 50% reduction in the activity of C5 protein by Day 4 at a 25 mg/kg dose and at Day 7, a greater than 70% reduction in the activity of C5 protein.

The amount of C5 protein was determined by Western blot analysis of whole serum. The activity of C5 protein was determined by a hemolysis assay. Briefly, a fixed dilution of human C5 depleted human serum was mixed with mouse serum and incubated with antibody-coated sheep red blood cells for 1 hour. The hemoglobin absorbance was measured and the % hemolysis as compared to a reference curve (prepared using a dilution series of mouse serum) was calculated.

The efficacy of AD-58642 in vivo was also assayed in mice following a single subcutaneous injection of 1.25 mg/kg, 2.5 mg/kg, 5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, and 25 mg/kg of AD-58642. At day 5 C5 mRNA was assayed in liver samples using qPCR, C5 activity was assayed for hemolysis, and the amount of C5 protein was determined by Western blot analysis of whole serum.

As depicted in FIGS. 6A and 6B, although there is only a minor improvement (i.e., about 5%) in efficacy of AD-58642 to inhibit C5 mRNA at a dose of 25 mg/kg as compared to a 10 mg/kg dose, there is an average of 85% silencing with a 25 mg/kg dose. In addition, there is a dose response effect with an IC₅₀ of about 2.5 mg/kg.

FIGS. 7A and 7B and 8 demonstrate that AD-58642 is efficacious for decreasing the amount of C5 protein (FIG. 8 ) and C5 protein activity (FIGS. 7A and 7B).

The duration of silencing of AD-58641 in vivo was also determined by subcutaneously administering a single 0.625 mg/kg, 1.25 mg/kg, 2.5 mg/kg, 5.0 mg/kg, or 10 mg/kg dose of AD-58641 to C57B1/6 (n=3) mice and determining the amount of C5 protein present in these animals on days 5 and 9 by ELISA. Briefly, serum was collected on day 0, pre-bleed, day 5, and day 9 and the levels of C5 proteins were quantified by ELISA. C5 protein levels were normalized to the day 0 pre-bleed level. As depicted in FIG. 9 , the results demonstrate that there is a dose dependent potent and durable knock-down of C5 serum protein. (The single dose ED₅₀ was 0.6 mg/kg).

Compound AD-58641 was also tested for efficacy in C57Bl/6 mice using a multi-dosing administration protocol. Mice were subcutaneously administered compound AD-58641 at a 0.625 mg/kg, 1.25 mg/kg, or 2.5 mg/kg dose at days 0, 1, 2, and 3. Serum was collected at days 0 and 8 as illustrated in FIG. 10 and analyzed for C5 protein levels by ELISA. C5 levels were normalized to the day 0 pre-bleed level. FIG. 10 shows that multi-dosing of AD-58641 achieves silencing of C5 protein at all of the does tested, with a greater than 90% silencing of C5 protein at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg.

Compound AD-58641 was further tested for efficacy and to evaluate the cumulative effect of the compound in rats using a repeat administration protocol. Wild-type Sprague Dawley rats were subcutaneously injected with compound AD-58641 at a 2.5 mg/kg/dose or 5.0 mg/kg/dose twice a week for 3 weeks (q2w×3). Serum was collected on days 0, 4, 7, 11, 14, 18, 25, and 32. Serum hemolytic activity was quantified using a hemolysis assay in which a 1:150 dilution of rat serum was incubated with sensitized sheep rat blood cells in GVB++ buffer for 1 hour and hemoglobin release was quantified by measuring absorbance at 415 nm (see FIG. 11A). The amount of C5 protein present in the samples was also determined by ELISA (FIG. 11B). The results demonstrate a dose dependent potent and durable decrease in hemolytic activity, achieving about 90% hemolytic activity inhibition.

TABLE 19 Additional Phosphorothioate Modifed GalNAC Conjugated C5 iRNAs SEQ SEQ Sense ID ID Start Cross Duplex ID strand Sense sequence NO: Antisense Antisense sequence NO: position Reactivity PS# AD-58088.2 A-118324.1 AfuUfuAfaAfcAfAfCfaAfgUfaCfcUfuUfL96 559 A-118325.1 aAfaGfgUfaCfuUfguuGfuUfuAfaAfusCfsu 580 984 HumRheMus 2 AD-58644.1 A-119328.1 AfsusUfuAfaAfcAfAfCfaAfgUfaCfcUfuUfL96 560 A-119329.1 asAfsaGfgUfaCfuUfguuGfuUfuAfaAfuscsu 581 984 HumRheMus 6 AD-58651.1 A-119328.2 AfsusUfuAfaAfcAfAfCfaAfgUfaCfcUfuUfL96 561 A-119339.1 asAfsaGfsgUfsaCfsuUfsguuGfsuUfsuAfsa 582 984 HumRheMus 14 Afsuscsu AD-58099.2 A-118312.1 UfgAfcAfaAfaUfAfAfcUfcAfcUfaUfaAfL96 562 A-118313.1 uUfaUfaGfuGfaGfuuaUfuUfuGfuCfasAfsu 583 1513 HumRheMusRat 2 AD-58641.1 A-119322.1 UfsgsAfcAfaAfaUfAfAfcUfcAfcUfaUfaAfL96 563 A-119323.1 usUfsaUfaGfuGfaGfuuaUfuUfuGfuCfasasu 584 1513 HumRheMusRat 6 AD-58648.1 A-119322.2 UfsgsAfcAfaAfaUfAfAfcUfcAfcUfaUfaAfL96 564 A-119336.1 usUfsaUfsaGfsuGfsaGfsuuaUfsuUfsuGfsu 585 1513 HumRheMusRat 14 Cfsasasu AD-58111.2 A-118316.1 GfaCfaAfaAfuAfAfCfuCfaCfuAfuAfaUfL96 565 A-118317.1 aUfuAfuAfgUfgAfguuAfuUfuUfgUfcsAfsa 586 1514 HumRheMusRat 2 AD-58642.1 A-119324.1 GfsasCfaAfaAfuAfAfCfuCfaCfuAfuAfaUfL96 566 A-119325.1 asUfsuAfuAfgUfgAfguuAfuUfuUfgUfcsasa 587 1514 HumRheMusRat 6 AD-58649.1 A-119324.2 GfsasCfaAfaAfuAfAfCfuCfaCfuAfuAfaUfL96 567 A-119337.1 asUfsuAfsuAfsgUfsgAfsguuAfsuUfsuUfsg 588 1514 HumRheMusRat 14 Ufscsasa AD-58116.2 A-118396.1 GfuUfcCfgGfaUfAfUfuUfgAfaCfuUfuUfL96 568 A-118397.1 aAfaAfgUfuCfaAfauaUfcCfgGfaAfcsCfsg 589 4502 MusRat 2 AD-58647.1 A-119334.1 GfsusUfcCfgGfaUfAfUfuUfgAfaCfuUfuUfL96 569 A-119335.1 asAfsaAfgUfuCfaAfauaUfcCfgGfaAfcscsg 590 4502 MusRat 6 AD-58654.1 A-119334.2 GfsusUfcCfgGfaUfAfUfuUfgAfaCfuUfuUfL96 570 A-119342.1 asAfsaAfsgUfsuCfsaAfsauaUfscCfsgGfsa 591 4502 MusRat 14 Afscscsg AD-58121.2 A-118382.1 UfgCfaGfaUfcAfAfAfcAfcAfaUfuUfcAfL96 571 A-118383.1 uGfaAfaUfuGfuGfuuuGfaUfcUfgCfasGfsa 592 4945 MusRat 2 AD-58645.1 A-119330.1 UfsgsCfaGfaUfcAfAfAfcAfcAfaUfuUfcAfL96 572 A-119331.1 usGfsaAfaUfuGfuGfuuuGfaUfcUfgCfasgsa 593 4945 MusRat 6 AD-58652.1 A-119330.2 UfsgsCfaGfaUfcAfAfAfcAfcAfaUfuUfcAfL96 573 A-119340.1 usGfsaAfsaUfsuGfsuGfsuuuGfsaUfscUfsg 594 4945 MusRat 14 Cfsasgsa AD-58123.2 A-118320.1 AfaGfcAfaGfaUfAfUfuUfuUfaUfaAfuAfL96 574 A-118321.1 uAfuUfaUfaAfaAfauaUfcUfuGfcUfusUfsu 595 786 HumRheMus 2 AD-58643.1 A-119326.1 AfsasGfcAfaGfaUfAfUfuUfuUfaUfaAfuAfL96 575 A-119327.1 usAfsuUfaUfaAfaAfauaUfcUfuGfcUfususu 596 786 HumRheMus 6 AD-58650.1 A-119326.2 AfsasGfcAfaGfaUfAfUfuUfuUfaUfaAfuAfL96 576 A-119338.1 usAfsuUfsaUfsaAfsaAfsauaUfscUfsuGfsc 597 786 HumRheMus 14 Ufsususu AD-58133.2 A-118386.1 CfaGfaUfcAfaAfCfAfcAfaUfuUfcAfgUfL96 577 A-118387.1 aCfuGfaAfaUfuGfuguUfuGfaUfcUfgsCfsa 598 4947 MusRat 2 AD-58646.1 A-119332.1 CfsasGfaUfcAfaAfCfAfcAfaUfuticAfgUfL96 578 A-119333.1 asCfsuGfaAfaUfuGfugulffuGfaUfcUfgscs 599 4947 MusRat 6 a AD-58653.1 A-119332.2 CfsasGfaUfcAfaAfCfAfcAfaUfuticAfgUfL96 579 A-119341.1 asCfsuGfsaAfsaUfsuGfsuguUfsuGfsaUfsc 600 4947 MusRat 14 Ufsgscsa

Example 4. Design, Synthesis, and in Vitro Screening of Additional siRNAs

siRNA Design

C5 duplexes, 19 nucleotides long for both the sense and antisense strand, were designed using the human C5 mRNA sequence set forth in GenBank Accession No. NM_001735.2. Five-hundred and sixty-nine duplexes were initially identified that did not contain repeats longer than 7 nucleotides, spanning substantially the entire 5480 nucleotide transcript. All 569 duplexes are then scored for predicted efficacy according to a linear model that evaluates the nucleotide pair at each duplex position, and the dose and cell line to be used for screening. The duplexes are also matched against all transcripts in the human RefSeq collection using a custom brute force algorithm, and scored for lowest numbers of mismatches (per strand) to transcripts other than C5. Duplexes to be synthesized and screened are then selected from the 569, according to the following scheme: Beginning at the 5′ end of the transcript, a duplex is selected within a “window” of every 10±2 nucleotides that

-   -   1) had the highest predicted efficacy,     -   2) had at least one mismatch in both strands to all transcripts         other than SERPINC1,     -   3) had not already been synthesized and screened as part of         other duplex sets.

If no duplex is identified within a given window that satisfied all criteria, that window was skipped.

A detailed list of the 569 C5 sense and antisense strand sequences is shown in Table 20.

The in vitro efficacy of duplexes comprising the sense and antisense sequences listed in Table 20 is determined using the following methods.

Cell Culture and Transfections

HepG2 cells (ATCC, Manassas, VA) are grown to near confluence at 37° C. in an atmosphere of 5% CO₂ in Eagle's Minimum Essential Medium (ATCC) supplemented with 10% FBS, streptomycin, and glutamine (ATCC) before being released from the plate by trypsinization. Transfection is carried out by adding 14.8 μl of Opti-MEM plus 0.2 μl of Lipofectamine RNAiMax per well (Invitrogen, Carlsbad CA. cat #13778-150) to 5 μl of each of the 164 siRNA duplexes to an individual well in a 96-well plate. The mixture is then incubated at room temperature for 15 minutes. 80 μl of complete growth media without antibiotic containing ˜2.5×10⁴ HepG2 cells is then added to the siRNA mixture. Cells are incubated for 24 hours prior to RNA purification. Experiments are performed at 20 nM and included naïve cells and cells transfected with AD-1955, a luciferase targeting siRNA as negative controls.

Total RNA Isolation Using DYNABEADS mRNA Isolation Kit (Invitrogen, Part #: 610-12)

Cells are harvested and lysed in 150 μl of Lysis/Binding Buffer then mixed for 5 minute at 700 rpm on a platform shaker (the mixing speed was the same throughout the process). Ten microliters of magnetic beads and 80 μl Lysis/Binding Buffer mixture are added to a round bottom plate and mixed for 1 minute. Magnetic beads are captured using magnetic stand and the supernatant is removed without disturbing the beads. After removing supernatant, the lysed cells are added to the remaining beads and mixed for 5 minutes. After removing supernatant, magnetic beads are washed 2 times with 150 μl Wash Buffer A and mixed for 1 minute. Beads are captured again and supernatant removed. Beads are then washed with 150 μl Wash Buffer B, captured and supernatant is removed. Beads are next washed with 150 μl Elution Buffer, captured and supernatant removed. Beads are allowed to dry for 2 minutes. After drying, 50 μl of Elution Buffer is added and mixed for 5 minutes at 70° C. Beads are captured on magnet for 5 minutes. Forty μl of supernatant, containg the isolated RNA is removed and added to another 96 well plate.

cDNA Synthesis Using ABI High Capacity cDNA Reverse Transcription Kit (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA, Cat #4368813)

A master mix of 2 μl 10× Buffer, 0.8 μl 25× dNTPs, 2 μl Random primers, 1 μl Reverse Transcriptase, 1 μl RNase inhibitor and 3.2 μl of H2O per reaction is added into 10 μl total RNA. cDNA is generated using a Bio-Rad C-1000 or S-1000 thermal cycler (Hercules, CA) through the following steps: 25° C. 10 min, 37° C. 120 min, 85° C. 5 sec, 4° C. hold.

Real Time PCR

Two μl of cDNA is added to a master mix containing 0.5 μl human GAPDH TaqMan Probe (Applied Biosystems Cat #4326317E), 0.5 μl human SERPINC1 TaqMan probe (Applied Biosystems cat #Hs00892758_m1) and 5 μl Lightcycler 480 probe master mix (Roche Cat #04887301001) per well in a 384-well plate (Roche cat #04887301001). Real time PCR is performed in an LC480 Real Time PCR machine (Roche).

To calculate relative fold change, real time data is analyzed using the ΔΔCt method and normalized to assays performed with cells transfected with 20 nM AD-1955.

TABLE 20 Additional C5 unmodified sense and antisense strand sequences Position in SEQ ID SEQ ID Oligo Name NM_001735.2 Sense Sequence NO: Antisense Sequence NO: NM_001735.2_3-21_s  3-21 UAUCCGUGGUUUCCUGCUA 601 UAGCAGGAAACCACGGAUA 1170 NM_001735.2_10-28_s 10-28 GGUUUCCUGCUACCUCCAA 602 UUGGAGGUAGCAGGAAACC 1171 NM_001735.2_22-40_s 22-40 CCUCCAACCAUGGGCCUUU 603 AAAGGCCCAUGGUUGGAGG 1172 NM_001735.2_33-51_s 33-51 GGGCCUUUUGGGAAUACUU 604 AAGUAUUCCCAAAAGGCCC 1173 NM_001735.2_43-61_s 43-61 GGAAUACUUUGUUUUUUAA 605 UUAAAAAACAAAGUAUUCC 1174 NM_001735.2_49-67_s 49-67 CUUUGUUUUUUAAUCUUCC 606 GGAAGAUUAAAAAACAAAG 1175 NM_001735.2_63-81_s 63-81 CUUCCUGGGGAAAACCUGG 607 CCAGGUUUUCCCCAGGAAG 1176 NM_001735.2_71-89_s 71-89 GGAAAACCUGGGGACAGGA 608 UCCUGUCCCCAGGUUUUCC 1177 NM_001735.2_81-99_s 81-99 GGGACAGGAGCAAACAUAU 609 AUAUGUUUGCUCCUGUCCC 1178 NM_001735.2_91-109_s  91-109 CAAACAUAUGUCAUUUCAG 610 CUGAAAUGACAUAUGUUUG 1179 NM_001735.2_102-120_s 102-120 CAUUUCAGCACCAAAAAUA 611 UAUUUUUGGUGCUGAAAUG 1180 NM_001735.2_109-127_s 109-127 GCACCAAAAAUAUUCCGUG 612 CACGGAAUAUUUUUGGUGC 1181 NM_001735.2_123-141_s 123-141 CCGUGUUGGAGCAUCUGAA 613 UUCAGAUGCUCCAACACGG 1182 NM_001735.2_130-148_s 130-148 GGAGCAUCUGAAAAUAUUG 614 CAAUAUUUUCAGAUGCUCC 1183 NM_001735.2_139-157_s 139157 GAAAAUAUUGUGAUUCAAG 615 CUUGAAUCACAAUAUUUUC 1184 NM_001735.2_150-168_s 150-168 GAUUCAAGUUUAUGGAUAC 616 GUAUCCAUAAACUUGAAUC 1185 NM_001735.2_163-181_s 163-181 GGAUACACUGAAGCAUUUG 617 CAAAUGCUUCAGUGUAUCC 1186 NM_001735.2_172-190_s 172-190 GAAGCAUUUGAUGCAACAA 618 UUGUUGCAUCAAAUGCUUC 1187 NM_001735.2_183-201_s 183-201 UGCAACAAUCUCUAUUAAA 619 UUUAAUAGAGAUUGUUGCA 1188 NM_001735.2_189-207_s 189-207 AAUCUCUAUUAAAAGUUAU 620 AUAACUUUUAAUAGAGAUU 1189 NM_001735.2_201-219_s 201-219 AAGUUAUCCUGAUAAAAAA 621 UUUUUUAUCAGGAUAACUU 1190 NM_001735.2_209-227_s 209-227 CUGAUAAAAAAUUUAGUUA 622 UAACUAAAUUUUUUAUCAG 1191 NM_001735.2_221-239_s 221-239 UUAGUUACUCCUCAGGCCA 623 UGGCCUGAGGAGUAACUAA 1192 NM_001735.2_230-248_s 230-248 CCUCAGGCCAUGUUCAUUU 624 AAAUGAACAUGGCCUGAGG 1193 NM_001735.2_242-260_s 242-260 UUCAUUUAUCCUCAGAGAA 625 UUCUCUGAGGAUAAAUGAA 1194 NM_001735.2_252-270_s 252-270 CUCAGAGAAUAAAUUCCAA 626 UUGGAAUUUAUUCUCUGAG 1195 NM_001735.2_259-277_s 259-277 AAUAAAUUCCAAAACUCUG 627 CAGAGUUUUGGAAUUUAUU 1196 NM_001735.2_273-291_s 273-291 CUCUGCAAUCUUAACAAUA 628 UAUUGUUAAGAUUGCAGAG 1197 NM_001735.2_282-300_s 282-300 CUUAACAAUACAACCAAAA 629 UUUUGGUUGUAUUGUUAAG 1198 NM_001735.2_292-310_s 292-310 CAACCAAAACAAUUGCCUG 630 CAGGCAAUUGUUUUGGUUG 1199 NM_001735.2_301-319_s 301-319 CAAUUGCCUGGAGGACAAA 631 UUUGUCCUCCAGGCAAUUG 1200 NM_001735.2_313-331_s 313-331 GGACAAAACCCAGUUUCUU 632 AAGAAACUGGGUUUUGUCC 1201 NM_001735.2_322-340_s 322-340 CCAGUUUCUUAUGUGUAUU 633 AAUACACAUAAGAAACUGG 1202 NM_001735.2_332-350_s 332-350 AUGUGUAUUUGGAAGUUGU 634 ACAACUUCCAAAUACACAU 1203 NM_001735.2_342-360_s 342-360 GGAAGUUGUAUCAAAGCAU 635 AUGCUUUGAUACAACUUCC 1204 NM_001735.2_349-367_s 349-367 GUAUCAAAGCAUUUUUCAA 636 UUGAAAAAUGCUUUGAUAC 1205 NM_001735.2_361-379_s 361-379 UUUUCAAAAUCAAAAAGAA 637 UUCUUUUUGAUUUUGAAAA 1206 NM_001735.2_371-389_s 371-389 CAAAAAGAAUGCCAAUAAC 638 GUUAUUGGCAUUCUUUUUG 1207 NM_001735.2_381-399_s 381-399 GCCAAUAACCUAUGACAAU 639 AUUGUCAUAGGUUAUUGGC 1208 NM_001735.2_389-407_s 389-407 CCUAUGACAAUGGAUUUCU 640 AGAAAUCCAUUGUCAUAGG 1209 NM_001735.2_399-417_s 399-417 UGGAUUUCUCUUCAUUCAU 641 AUGAAUGAAGAGAAAUCCA 1210 NM_001735.2_411-429_s 411-429 CAUUCAUACAGACAAACCU 642 AGGUUUGUCUGUAUGAAUG 1211 NM_001735.2_419-437_s 419-437 CAGACAAACCUGUUUAUAC 643 GUAUAAACAGGUUUGUCUG 1212 NM_001735.2_430-448_s 430-448 GUUUAUACUCCAGACCAGU 644 ACUGGUCUGGAGUAUAAAC 1213 NM_001735.2_441-459_s 441-459 AGACCAGUCAGUAAAAGUU 645 AACUUUUACUGACUGGUCU 1214 NM_001735.2_450-468_s 450-468 AGUAAAAGUUAGAGUUUAU 646 AUAAACUCUAACUUUUACU 1215 NM_001735.2_460-478_s 460-478 AGAGUUUAUUCGUUGAAUG 647 CAUUCAACGAAUAAACUCU 1216 NM_001735.2_470-488_s 470-488 CGUUGAAUGACGACUUGAA 648 UUCAAGUCGUCAUUCAACG 1217 NM_001735.2_483-501_s 483-501 CUUGAAGCCAGCCAAAAGA 649 UCUUUUGGCUGGCUUCAAG 1218 NM_001735.2_490-508_s 490-508 CCAGCCAAAAGAGAAACUG 650 CAGUUUCUCUUUUGGCUGG 1219 NM_001735.2_503-521_s 503-521 AAACUGUCUUAACUUUCAU 651 AUGAAAGUUAAGACAGUUU 1220 NM_001735.2_513-531_s 513-531 AACUUUCAUAGAUCCUGAA 652 UUCAGGAUCUAUGAAAGUU 1221 NM_001735.2_519-537_s 519-537 CAUAGAUCCUGAAGGAUCA 653 UGAUCCUUCAGGAUCUAUG 1222 NM_001735.2_529-547_s 529-547 GAAGGAUCAGAAGUUGACA 654 UGUCAACUUCUGAUCCUUC 1223 NM_001735.2_543-561_s 543-561 UGACAUGGUAGAAGAAAUU 655 AAUUUCUUCUACCAUGUCA 1224 NM_001735.2_553-571_s 553-571 GAAGAAAUUGAUCAUAUUG 656 CAAUAUGAUCAAUUUCUUC 1225 NM_001735.2_562-580_s 562-580 GAUCAUAUUGGAAUUAUCU 657 AGAUAAUUCCAAUAUGAUC 1226 NM_001735.2_571-589_s 571-589 GGAAUUAUCUCUUUUCCUG 658 CAGGAAAAGAGAUAAUUCC 1227 NM_001735.2_579-597_s 579-597 CUCUUUUCCUGACUUCAAG 659 CUUGAAGUCAGGAAAAGAG 1228 NM_001735.2_590-608_s 590-608 ACUUCAAGAUUCCGUCUAA 660 UUAGACGGAAUCUUGAAGU 1229 NM_001735.2_601-619_s 601-619 CCGUCUAAUCCUAGAUAUG 661 CAUAUCUAGGAUUAGACGG 1230 NM_001735.2_610-628_s 610-628 CCUAGAUAUGGUAUGUGGA 662 UCCACAUACCAUAUCUAGG 1231 NM_001735.2_623-641_s 623-641 UGUGGACGAUCAAGGCUAA 663 UUAGCCUUGAUCGUCCACA 1232 NM_001735.2_629-647_s 629-647 CGAUCAAGGCUAAAUAUAA 664 UUAUAUUUAGCCUUGAUCG 1233 NM_001735.2_642-660_s 642-660 AUAUAAAGAGGACUUUUCA 665 UGAAAAGUCCUCUUUAUAU 1234 NM_001735.2_649-667_s 649-667 GAGGACUUUUCAACAACUG 666 CAGUUGUUGAAAAGUCCUC 1235 NM_001735.2_662-680_s 662-680 CAACUGGAACCGCAUAUUU 667 AAAUAUGCGGUUCCAGUUG 1236 NM_001735.2_672-690_s 672-690 CGCAUAUUUUGAAGUUAAA 668 UUUAACUUCAAAAUAUGCG 1237 NM_001735.2_683-701_s 683-701 AAGUUAAAGAAUAUGUCUU 669 AAGACAUAUUCUUUAACUU 1238 NM_001735.2_691-709_s 691-709 GAAUAUGUCUUGCCACAUU 670 AAUGUGGCAAGACAUAUUC 1239 NM_001735.2_703-721_s 703-721 CCACAUUUUUCUGUCUCAA 671 UUGAGACAGAAAAAUGUGG 1240 NM_001735.2_713-731_s 713-731 CUGUCUCAAUCGAGCCAGA 672 UCUGGCUCGAUUGAGACAG 1241 NM_001735.2_719-737_s 719-737 CAAUCGAGCCAGAAUAUAA 673 UUAUAUUCUGGCUCGAUUG 1242 NM_001735.2_730-748_s 730-748 GAAUAUAAUUUCAUUGGUU 674 AACCAAUGAAAUUAUAUUC 1243 NM_001735.2_742-760_s 742-760 AUUGGUUACAAGAACUUUA 675 UAAAGUUCUUGUAACCAAU 1244 NM_001735.2_752-770_s 752-770 AGAACUUUAAGAAUUUUGA 676 UCAAAAUUCUUAAAGUUCU 1245 NM_001735.2_762-780_s 762-780 GAAUUUUGAAAUUACUAUA 677 UAUAGUAAUUUCAAAAUUC 1246 NM_001735.2_769-787_s 769-787 GAAAUUACUAUAAAAGCAA 678 UUGCUUUUAUAGUAAUUUC 1247 NM_001735.2_781-799_s 781-799 AAAGCAAGAUAUUUUUAUA 679 UAUAAAAAUAUCUUGCUUU 1248 NM_001735.2_789-807_s 789-807 AUAUUUUUAUAAUAAAGUA 680 UACUUUAUUAUAAAAAUAU 1249 NM_001735.2_803-821_s 803-821 AAGUAGUCACUGAGGCUGA 681 UCAGCCUCAGUGACUACUU 1250 NM_001735.2_810-828_s 810-828 CACUGAGGCUGACGUUUAU 682 AUAAACGUCAGCCUCAGUG 1251 NM_001735.2_822-840_s 822-840 CGUUUAUAUCACAUUUGGA 683 UCCAAAUGUGAUAUAAACG 1252 NM_001735.2_831-849_s 831-849 CACAUUUGGAAUAAGAGAA 684 UUCUCUUAUUCCAAAUGUG 1253 NM_001735.2_840-858_s 840-858 AAUAAGAGAAGACUUAAAA 685 UUUUAAGUCUUCUCUUAUU 1254 NM_001735.2_852-870_s 852-870 CUUAAAAGAUGAUCAAAAA 686 UUUUUGAUCAUCUUUUAAG 1255 NM_001735.2_859-877_s 859-877 GAUGAUCAAAAAGAAAUGA 687 UCAUUUCUUUUUGAUCAUC 1256 NM_001735.2_872-890_s 872-890 AAAUGAUGCAAACAGCAAU 688 AUUGCUGUUUGCAUCAUUU 1257 NM_001735.2_883-901_s 883-901 ACAGCAAUGCAAAACACAA 689 UUGUGUUUUGCAUUGCUGU 1258 NM_001735.2_893-911_s 893-911 AAAACACAAUGUUGAUAAA 690 UUUAUCAACAUUGUGUUUU 1259 NM_001735.2_899-917_s 899-917 CAAUGUUGAUAAAUGGAAU 691 AUUCCAUUUAUCAACAUUG 1260 NM_001735.2_913-931_s 913-931 GGAAUUGCUCAAGUCACAU 692 AUGUGACUUGAGCAAUUCC 1261 NM_001735.2_919-937_s 919-937 GCUCAAGUCACAUUUGAUU 693 AAUCAAAUGUGACUUGAGC 1262 NM_001735.2_930-948_s 930-948 AUUUGAUUCUGAAACAGCA 694 UGCUGUUUCAGAAUCAAAU 1263 NM_001735.2_939-957_s 939-957 UGAAACAGCAGUCAAAGAA 695 UUCUUUGACUGCUGUUUCA 1264 NM_001735.2_951-969_s 951-969 CAAAGAACUGUCAUACUAC 696 GUAGUAUGACAGUUCUUUG 1265 NM_001735.2_962-980_s 962-980 CAUACUACAGUUUAGAAGA 697 UCUUCUAAACUGUAGUAUG 1266 NM_001735.2_969-987_s 969-987 CAGUUUAGAAGAUUUAAAC 698 GUUUAAAUCUUCUAAACUG 1267 NM_001735.2_983-1001_s  983-1001 UAAACAACAAGUACCUUUA 699 UAAAGGUACUUGUUGUUUA 1268 NM_001735.2_990-1008_s  990-1008 CAAGUACCUUUAUAUUGCU 700 AGCAAUAUAAAGGUACUUG 1269 NM_001735.2_1002-1020_s 1002-1020 UAUUGCUGUAACAGUCAUA 701 UAUGACUGUUACAGCAAUA 1270 NM_001735.2_1011-1029_s 1011-1029 AACAGUCAUAGAGUCUACA 702 UGUAGACUCUAUGACUGUU 1271 NM_001735.2_1020-1038_s 1020-1038 AGAGUCUACAGGUGGAUUU 703 AAAUCCACCUGUAGACUCU 1272 NM_001735.2_1033-1051_s 1033-1051 GGAUUUUCUGAAGAGGCAG 704 CUGCCUCUUCAGAAAAUCC 1273 NM_001735.2_1042-1060_s 1042-1060 GAAGAGGCAGAAAUACCUG 705 CAGGUAUUUCUGCCUCUUC 1274 NM_001735.2_1050-1068_s 1050-1068 AGAAAUACCUGGCAUCAAA 706 UUUGAUGCCAGGUAUUUCU 1275 NM_001735.2_1061-1079_s 1061-1079 GCAUCAAAUAUGUCCUCUC 707 GAGAGGACAUAUUUGAUGC 1276 NM_001735.2_1071-1089_s 1071-1089 UGUCCUCUCUCCCUACAAA 708 UUUGUAGGGAGAGAGGACA 1277 NM_001735.2_1092-1110_s 1092-1110 GAAUUUGGUUGCUACUCCU 709 AGGAGUAGCAACCAAAUUC 1278 NM_001735.2_1102-1120_s 1102-1120 GCUACUCCUCUUUUCCUGA 710 UCAGGAAAAGAGGAGUAGC 1279 NM_001735.2_1109-1127_s 1109-1127 CUCUUUUCCUGAAGCCUGG 711 CCAGGCUUCAGGAAAAGAG 1280 NM_001735.2_1123-1141_s 1123-1141 CCUGGGAUUCCAUAUCCCA 712 UGGGAUAUGGAAUCCCAGG 1281 NM_001735.2_1133-1151_s 1133-1151 CAUAUCCCAUCAAGGUGCA 713 UGCACCUUGAUGGGAUAUG 1282 NM_001735.2_1139-1157_s 1139-1157 CCAUCAAGGUGCAGGUUAA 714 UUAACCUGCACCUUGAUGG 1283 NM_001735.2_1150-1168_s 1150-1168 CAGGUUAAAGAUUCGCUUG 715 CAAGCGAAUCUUUAACCUG 1284 NM_001735.2_1161-1179_s 1161-1179 UUCGCUUGACCAGUUGGUA 716 UACCAACUGGUCAAGCGAA 1285 NM_001735.2_1170-1188_s 1170-1188 CCAGUUGGUAGGAGGAGUC 717 GACUCCUCCUACCAACUGG 1286 NM_001735.2_1180-1198_s 1180-1198 GGAGGAGUCCCAGUAACAC 718 GUGUUACUGGGACUCCUCC 1287 NM_001735.2_1190-1208_s 1190-1208 CAGUAACACUGAAUGCACA 719 UGUGCAUUCAGUGUUACUG 1288 NM_001735.2_1200-1218_s 1200-1218 GAAUGCACAAACAAUUGAU 720 AUCAAUUGUUUGUGCAUUC 1289 NM_001735.2_1209-1227_s 1209-1227 AACAAUUGAUGUAAACCAA 721 UUGGUUUACAUCAAUUGUU 1290 NM_001735.2_1220-1238_s 1220-1238 UAAACCAAGAGACAUCUGA 722 UCAGAUGUCUCUUGGUUUA 1291 NM_001735.2_1232-1250_s 1232-1250 CAUCUGACUUGGAUCCAAG 723 CUUGGAUCCAAGUCAGAUG 1292 NM_001735.2_1243-1261_s 1243-1261 GAUCCAAGCAAAAGUGUAA 724 UUACACUUUUGCUUGGAUC 1293 NM_001735.2_1251-1269_s 1251-1269 CAAAAGUGUAACACGUGUU 725 AACACGUGUUACACUUUUG 1294 NM_001735.2_1260-1278_s 1260-1278 AACACGUGUUGAUGAUGGA 726 UCCAUCAUCAACACGUGUU 1295 NM_001735.2_1272-1290_s 1272-1290 UGAUGGAGUAGCUUCCUUU 727 AAAGGAAGCUACUCCAUCA 1296 NM_001735.2_1279-1297_s 1279-1297 GUAGCUUCCUUUGUGCUUA 728 UAAGCACAAAGGAAGCUAC 1297 NM_001735.2_1293-1311_s 1293-1311 GCUUAAUCUCCCAUCUGGA 729 UCCAGAUGGGAGAUUAAGC 1298 NM_001735.2_1303-1321_s 1303-1321 CCAUCUGGAGUGACGGUGC 730 GCACCGUCACUCCAGAUGG 1299 NM_001735.2_1313-1331_s 1313-1331 UGACGGUGCUGGAGUUUAA 731 UUAAACUCCAGCACCGUCA 1300 NM_001735.2_1320-1338_s 1320-1338 GCUGGAGUUUAAUGUCAAA 732 UUUGACAUUAAACUCCAGC 1301 NM_001735.2_1332-1350_s 1332-1350 UGUCAAAACUGAUGCUCCA 733 UGGAGCAUCAGUUUUGACA 1302 NM_001735.2_1342-1360_s 1342-1360 GAUGCUCCAGAUCUUCCAG 734 CUGGAAGAUCUGGAGCAUC 1303 NM_001735.2_1349-1367_s 1349-1367 CAGAUCUUCCAGAAGAAAA 735 UUUUCUUCUGGAAGAUCUG 1304 NM_001735.2_1362-1380_s 1362-1380 AGAAAAUCAGGCCAGGGAA 736 UUCCCUGGCCUGAUUUUCU 1305 NM_001735.2_1371-1389_s 1371-1389 GGCCAGGGAAGGUUACCGA 737 UCGGUAACCUUCCCUGGCC 1306 NM_001735.2_1382-1400_s 1382-1400 GUUACCGAGCAAUAGCAUA 738 UAUGCUAUUGCUCGGUAAC 1307 NM_001735.2_1393-1411_s 1393-1411 AUAGCAUACUCAUCUCUCA 739 UGAGAGAUGAGUAUGCUAU 1308 NM_001735.2_1399-1417_s 1399-1471 UACUCAUCUCUCAGCCAAA 740 UUUGGCUGAGAGAUGAGUA 1309 NM_001735.2_1412-1430_s 1412-1430 GCCAAAGUUACCUUUAUAU 741 AUAUAAAGGUAACUUUGGC 1310 NM_001735.2_1422-1440_s 1422-1440 CCUUUAUAUUGAUUGGACU 742 AGUCCAAUCAAUAUAAAGG 1311 NM_001735.2_1432-1450_s 1432-1450 GAUUGGACUGAUAACCAUA 743 UAUGGUUAUCAGUCCAAUC 1312 NM_001735.2_1439-1457_s 1439-1457 CUGAUAACCAUAAGGCUUU 744 AAAGCCUUAUGGUUAUCAG 1313 NM_001735.2_1451-1469_s 1451-1469 AGGCUUUGCUAGUGGGAGA 745 UCUCCCACUAGCAAAGCCU 1314 NM_001735.2_1462-1480_s 1462-1480 GUGGGAGAACAUCUGAAUA 746 UAUUCAGAUGUUCUCCCAC 1315 NM_001735.2_1471-1489_s 1471-1489 CAUCUGAAUAUUAUUGUUA 747 UAACAAUAAUAUUCAGAUG 1316 NM_001735.2_1479-1497_s 1479-1497 UAUUAUUGUUACCCCCAAA 748 UUUGGGGGUAACAAUAAUA 1317 NM_001735.2_1492-1510_s 1492-1510 CCCAAAAGCCCAUAUAUUG 749 CAAUAUAUGGGCUUUUGGG 1318 NM_001735.2_1493-1511_s 1493-1511 CCAAAAGCCCAUAUAUUGA 750 UCAAUAUAUGGGCUUUUGG 1319 NM_001735.2_1494-1512_s 1494-1512 CAAAAGCCCAUAUAUUGAC 751 GUCAAUAUAUGGGCUUUUG 1320 NM_001735.2_1495-1513_s 1495-1513 AAAAGCCCAUAUAUUGACA 752 UGUCAAUAUAUGGGCUUUU 1321 NM_001735.2_1496-1514_s 1496-1514 AAAGCCCAUAUAUUGACAA 753 UUGUCAAUAUAUGGGCUUU 1322 NM_001735.2_1497-1515_s 1497-1515 AAGCCCAUAUAUUGACAAA 754 UUUGUCAAUAUAUGGGCUU 1323 NM_001735.2_1498-1516_s 1498-1516 AGCCCAUAUAUUGACAAAA 755 UUUUGUCAAUAUAUGGGCU 1324 NM_001735.2_1499-1517_s 1499-1517 GCCCAUAUAUUGACAAAAU 756 AUUUUGUCAAUAUAUGGGC 1325 NM_001735.2_1500-1518_s 1500-1518 CCCAUAUAUUGACAAAAUA 757 UAUUUUGUCAAUAUAUGGG 1326 NM_001735.2_1501-1519_s 1501-1519 CCAUAUAUUGACAAAAUAA 758 UUAUUUUGUCAAUAUAUGG 1327 NM_001735.2_1502-1520_s 1502-1520 CAUAUAUUGACAAAAUAAC 759 GUUAUUUUGUCAAUAUAUG 1328 NM_001735.2_1503-1521_s 1503-1521 AUAUAUUGACAAAAUAACU 760 AGUUAUUUUGUCAAUAUAU 1329 NM_001735.2_1504-1522_s 1504-1522 UAUAUUGACAAAAUAACUC 761 GAGUUAUUUUGUCAAUAUA 1330 NM_001735.2_1505-1523_s 1505-1523 AUAUUGACAAAAUAACUCA 762 UGAGUUAUUUUGUCAAUAU 1331 NM_001735.2_1506-1524_s 1506-1524 UAUUGACAAAAUAACUCAC 763 GUGAGUUAUUUUGUCAAUA 1332 NM_001735.2_1507-1525_s 1507-1525 AUUGACAAAAUAACUCACU 764 AGUGAGUUAUUUUGUCAAU 1333 NM_001735.2_1508-1526_s 1508-1526 UUGACAAAAUAACUCACUA 765 UAGUGAGUUAUUUUGUCAA 1334 NM_001735.2_1509-1527_s 1509-1527 UGACAAAAUAACUCACUAU 766 AUAGUGAGUUAUUUUGUCA 1335 NM_001735.2_1510-1528_s 1510-1528 GACAAAAUAACUCACUAUA 767 UAUAGUGAGUUAUUUUGUC 1336 NM_001735.2_1513-1531_s 1513-1531 AAAAUAACUCACUAUAAUU 768 AAUUAUAGUGAGUUAUUUU 1337 NM_001735.2_1514-1532_s 1514-1532 AAAUAACUCACUAUAAUUA 769 UAAUUAUAGUGAGUUAUUU 1338 NM_001735.2_1515-1533_s 1515-1533 AAUAACUCACUAUAAUUAC 770 GUAAUUAUAGUGAGUUAUU 1339 NM_001735.2_1516-1534_s 1516-1534 AUAACUCACUAUAAUUACU 771 AGUAAUUAUAGUGAGUUAU 1340 NM_001735.2_1518-1536_s 1518-1536 AACUCACUAUAAUUACUUG 772 CAAGUAAUUAUAGUGAGUU 1341 NM_001735.2_1519-1537_s 1519-1537 ACUCACUAUAAUUACUUGA 773 UCAAGUAAUUAUAGUGAGU 1342 NM_001735.2_1520-1538_s 1520-1538 CUCACUAUAAUUACUUGAU 774 AUCAAGUAAUUAUAGUGAG 1343 NM_001735.2_1521-1539_s 1521-1539 UCACUAUAAUUACUUGAUU 775 AAUCAAGUAAUUAUAGUGA 1344 NM_001735.2_1523-1541_s 1523-1541 ACUAUAAUUACUUGAUUUU 776 AAAAUCAAGUAAUUAUAGU 1345 NM_001735.2_1524-1542_s 1524-1542 CUAUAAUUACUUGAUUUUA 777 UAAAAUCAAGUAAUUAUAG 1346 NM_001735.2_1525-1543_s 1525-1543 UAUAAUUACUUGAUUUUAU 778 AUAAAAUCAAGUAAUUAUA 1347 NM_001735.2_1526-1544_s 1526-1544 AUAAUUACUUGAUUUUAUC 779 GAUAAAAUCAAGUAAUUAU 1348 NM_001735.2_1527-1545_s 1527-1545 UAAUUACUUGAUUUUAUCC 780 GGAUAAAAUCAAGUAAUUA 1349 NM_001735.2_1528-1546_s 1528-1546 AAUUACUUGAUUUUAUCCA 781 UGGAUAAAAUCAAGUAAUU 1350 NM_001735.2_1529-1547_s 1529-1547 AUUACUUGAUUUUAUCCAA 782 UUGGAUAAAAUCAAGUAAU 1351 NM_001735.2_1540-1558_s 1540-1558 UUAUCCAAGGGCAAAAUUA 783 UAAUUUUGCCCUUGGAUAA 1352 NM_001735.2_1550-1568_s 1550-1568 GCAAAAUUAUCCACUUUGG 784 CCAAAGUGGAUAAUUUUGC 1353 NM_001735.2_1561-1579_s 1561-1579 CACUUUGGCACGAGGGAGA 785 UCUCCCUCGUGCCAAAGUG 1354 NM_001735.2_1571-1589_s 1571-1589 CGAGGGAGAAAUUUUCAGA 786 UCUGAAAAUUUCUCCCUCG 1355 NM_001735.2_1581-1599_s 1581-1599 AUUUUCAGAUGCAUCUUAU 787 AUAAGAUGCAUCUGAAAAU 1356 NM_001735.2_1591-1609_s 1591-1609 GCAUCUUAUCAAAGUAUAA 788 UUAUACUUUGAUAAGAUGC 1357 NM_001735.2_1600-1618_s 1600-1618 CAAAGUAUAAACAUUCCAG 789 CUGGAAUGUUUAUACUUUG 1358 NM_001735.2_1612-1630_s 1612-1630 AUUCCAGUAACACAGAACA 790 UGUUCUGUGUUACUGGAAU 1359 NM_001735.2_1622-1640_s 1622-1640 CACAGAACAUGGUUCCUUC 791 GAAGGAACCAUGUUCUGUG 1360 NM_001735.2_1632-1650_s 1632-1560 GGUUCCUUCAUCCCGACUU 792 AAGUCGGGAUGAAGGAACC 1361 NM_001735.2_1643-1661_s 1643-1661 CCCGACUUCUGGUCUAUUA 793 UAAUAGACCAGAAGUCGGG 1362 NM_001735.2_1653-1671_s 1653-1671 GGUCUAUUACAUCGUCACA 794 UGUGACGAUGUAAUAGACC 1363 NM_001735.2_1663-1681_s 1663-1681 AUCGUCACAGGAGAACAGA 795 UCUGUUCUCCUGUGACGAU 1364 NM_001735.2_1670-1688_s 1670-1688 CAGGAGAACAGACAGCAGA 796 UCUGCUGUCUGUUCUCCUG 1365 NM_001735.2_1682-1700_s 1682-1700 CAGCAGAAUUAGUGUCUGA 797 UCAGACACUAAUUCUGCUG 1366 NM_001735.2_1693-1711_s 1693-1711 GUGUCUGAUUCAGUCUGGU 798 ACCAGACUGAAUCAGACAC 1367 NM_001735.2_1703-1721_s 1703-1721 CAGUCUGGUUAAAUAUUGA 799 UCAAUAUUUAACCAGACUG 1368 NM_001735.2_1710-1728_s 1710-1728 GUUAAAUAUUGAAGAAAAA 800 UUUUUCUUCAAUAUUUAAC 1369 NM_001735.2_1722-1740_s 1722-1740 AGAAAAAUGUGGCAACCAG 801 CUGGUUGCCACAUUUUUCU 1370 NM_001735.2_1733-1751_s 1733-1751 GCAACCAGCUCCAGGUUCA 802 UGAACCUGGAGCUGGUUGC 1371 NM_001735.2_1740-1758_s 1740-1758 GCUCCAGGUUCAUCUGUCU 803 AGACAGAUGAACCUGGAGC 1372 NM_001735.2_1751-1769_s 1751-1769 AUCUGUCUCCUGAUGCAGA 804 UCUGCAUCAGGAGACAGAU 1373 NM_001735.2_1762-1780_s 1762-1780 GAUGCAGAUGCAUAUUCUC 805 GAGAAUAUGCAUCUGCAUC 1374 NM_001735.2_1771-1789_s 1771-1789 GCAUAUUCUCCAGGCCAAA 806 UUUGGCCUGGAGAAUAUGC 1375 NM_001735.2_1782-1800_s 1782-1800 AGGCCAAACUGUGUCUCUU 807 AAGAGACACAGUUUGGCCU 1376 NM_001735.2_1792-1810_s 1792-1810 GUGUCUCUUAAUAUGGCAA 808 UUGCCAUAUUAAGAGACAC 1377 NM_001735.2_1799-1817_s 1799-1817 UUAAUAUGGCAACUGGAAU 809 AUUCCAGUUGCCAUAUUAA 1378 NM_001735.2_1809-1827_s 1809-1827 AACUGGAAUGGAUUCCUGG 810 CCAGGAAUCCAUUCCAGUU 1379 NM_001735.2_1821-1839_s 1821-1839 UUCCUGGGUGGCAUUAGCA 811 UGCUAAUGCCACCCAGGAA 1380 NM_001735.2_1830-1848_s 1830-1848 GGCAUUAGCAGCAGUGGAC 812 GUCCACUGCUGCUAAUGCC 1381 NM_001735.2_1842-1860_s 1842-1860 AGUGGACAGUGCUGUGUAU 813 AUACACAGCACUGUCCACU 1382 NM_001735.2_1852-1870_s 1852-1870 GCUGUGUAUGGAGUCCAAA 814 UUUGGACUCCAUACACAGC 1383 NM_001735.2_1863-1881_s 1863-1881 AGUCCAAAGAGGAGCCAAA 815 UUUGGCUCCUCUUUGGACU 1384 NM_001735.2_1870-1888_s 1870-1888 AGAGGAGCCAAAAAGCCCU 816 AGGGCUUUUUGGCUCCUCU 1385 NM_001735.2_1883-1901_s 1883-1901 AGCCCUUGGAAAGAGUAUU 817 AAUACUCUUUCCAAGGGCU 1386 NM_001735.2_1893-1911_s 1893-1911 AAGAGUAUUUCAAUUCUUA 818 UAAGAAUUGAAAUACUCUU 1387 NM_001735.2_1900-1918_s 1900-1918 UUUCAAUUCUUAGAGAAGA 819 UCUUCUCUAAGAAUUGAAA 1388 NM_001735.2_1912-1930_s 1912-1930 GAGAAGAGUGAUCUGGGCU 820 AGCCCAGAUCACUCUUCUC 1389 NM_001735.2_1920-1938_s 1920-1938 UGAUCUGGGCUGUGGGGCA 821 UGCCCCACAGCCCAGAUCA 1390 NM_001735.2_1933-1951_s 1933-1951 GGGGCAGGUGGUGGCCUCA 822 UGAGGCCACCACCUGCCCC 1391 NM_001735.2_1943-1961_s 1943-1961 GUGGCCUCAACAAUGCCAA 823 UUGGCAUUGUUGAGGCCAC 1392 NM_001735.2_1950-1968_s 1950-1968 CAACAAUGCCAAUGUGUUC 824 GAACACAUUGGCAUUGUUG 1393 NM_001735.2_1959-1977_s 1959-1977 CAAUGUGUUCCACCUAGCU 825 AGCUAGGUGGAACACAUUG 1394 NM_001735.2_1969-1987_s 1969-1987 CACCUAGCUGGACUUACCU 826 AGGUAAGUCCAGCUAGGUG 1395 NM_001735.2_1979-1997_s 1979-1997 GACUUACCUUCCUCACUAA 827 UUAGUGAGGAAGGUAAGUC 1396 NM_001735.2_1991-2009_s 1991-2009 UCACUAAUGCAAAUGCAGA 828 UCUGCAUUUGCAUUAGUGA 1397 NM_001735.2_2001-2019_s 2001-2019 AAAUGCAGAUGACUCCCAA 829 UUGGGAGUCAUCUGCAUUU 1398 NM_001735.2_2013-2031_s 2013-2013 CUCCCAAGAAAAUGAUGAA 830 UUCAUCAUUUUCUUGGGAG 1399 NM_001735.2_2032-2050_s 2032-2050 CCUUGUAAAGAAAUUCUCA 831 UGAGAAUUUCUUUACAAGG 1400 NM_001735.2_2043-2061_s 2043-2061 AAUUCUCAGGCCAAGAAGA 832 UCUUCUUGGCCUGAGAAUU 1401 NM_001735.2_2053-2071_s 2053-2071 CCAAGAAGAACGCUGCAAA 833 UUUGCAGCGUUCUUCUUGG 1402 NM_001735.2_2063-2081_s 2063-2081 CGCUGCAAAAGAAGAUAGA 834 UCUAUCUUCUUUUGCAGCG 1403 NM_001735.2_2070-2088_s 2070-2088 AAAGAAGAUAGAAGAAAUA 835 UAUUUCUUCUAUCUUCUUU 1404 NM_001735.2_2082-2100_s 2082-2100 AGAAAUAGCUGCUAAAUAU 836 AUAUUUAGCAGCUAUUUCU 1405 NM_001735.2_2089-2107_s 2089-2107 GCUGCUAAAUAUAAACAUU 837 AAUGUUUAUAUUUAGCAGC 1406 NM_001735.2_2103-2121_s 2103-2121 ACAUUCAGUAGUGAAGAAA 838 UUUCUUCACUACUGAAUGU 1407 NM_001735.2_2110-2128_s 2110-2128 GUAGUGAAGAAAUGUUGUU 839 AACAACAUUUCUUCACUAC 1408 NM_001735.2_2119-2137_s 2119-2137 AAAUGUUGUUACGAUGGAG 840 CUCCAUCGUAACAACAUUU 1409 NM_001735.2_2130-2148_s 2130-2148 CGAUGGAGCCUGCGUUAAU 841 AUUAACGCAGGCUCCAUCG 1410 NM_001735.2_2142-2160_s 2142-2160 CGUUAAUAAUGAUGAAACC 842 GGUUUCAUCAUUAUUAACG 1411 NM_001735.2_2150-2168_s 2150-2168 AUGAUGAAACCUGUGAGCA 843 UGCUCACAGGUUUCAUCAU 1412 NM_001735.2_2160-2178_s 2160-2178 CUGUGAGCAGCGAGCUGCA 844 UGCAGCUCGCUGCUCACAG 1413 NM_001735.2_2170-2188_s 2170-2188 CGAGCUGCACGGAUUAGUU 845 AACUAAUCCGUGCAGCUCG 1414 NM_001735.2_2180-2198_s 2180-2198 GGAUUAGUUUAGGGCCAAG 846 CUUGGCCCUAAACUAAUCC 1415 NM_001735.2_2191-2209_s 2191-2209 GGGCCAAGAUGCAUCAAAG 847 CUUUGAUGCAUCUUGGCCC 1416 NM_001735.2_2202-2220_s 2202-2220 CAUCAAAGCUUUCACUGAA 848 UUCAGUGAAAGCUUUGAUG 1417 NM_001735.2_2209-2227_s 2209-2227 GCUUUCACUGAAUGUUGUG 849 CACAACAUUCAGUGAAAGC 1418 NM_001735.2_2219-2237_s 2219-2237 AAUGUUGUGUCGUCGCAAG 850 CUUGCGACGACACAACAUU 1419 NM_001735.2_2229-2247_s 2229-2247 CGUCGCAAGCCAGCUCCGU 851 ACGGAGCUGGCUUGCGACG 1420 NM_001735.2_2241-2259_s 2241-2259 GCUCCGUGCUAAUAUCUCU 852 AGAGAUAUUAGCACGGAGC 1421 NM_001735.2_2249-2267_s 2249-2267 CUAAUAUCUCUCAUAAAGA 853 UCUUUAUGAGAGAUAUUAG 1422 NM_001735.2_2263-2281_s 2263-2281 AAAGACAUGCAAUUGGGAA 854 UUCCCAAUUGCAUGUCUUU 1423 NM_001735.2_2272-2290_s 2272-2290 CAAUUGGGAAGGCUACACA 855 UGUGUAGCCUUCCCAAUUG 1424 NM_001735.2_2283-2301_s 2283-2301 GCUACACAUGAAGACCCUG 856 CAGGGUCUUCAUGUGUAGC 1425 NM_001735.2_2289-2307_s 2289-2307 CAUGAAGACCCUGUUACCA 857 UGGUAACAGGGUCUUCAUG 1426 NM_001735.2_2303-2321_s 2303-2321 UACCAGUAAGCAAGCCAGA 858 UCUGGCUUGCUUACUGGUA 1427 NM_001735.2_2311-2329_s 2311-2329 AGCAAGCCAGAAAUUCGGA 859 UCCGAAUUUCUGGCUUGCU 1428 NM_001735.2_2319-2337_s 2319-2337 AGAAAUUCGGAGUUAUUUU 860 AAAAUAACUCCGAAUUUCU 1429 NM_001735.2_2329-2347_s 2329-2347 AGUUAUUUUCCAGAAAGCU 861 AGCUUUCUGGAAAAUAACU 1430 NM_001735.2_2339-2357_s 2339-2357 CAGAAAGCUGGUUGUGGGA 862 UCCCACAACCAGCUUUCUG 1431 NM_001735.2_2352-2370_s 2352-2370 GUGGGAAGUUCAUCUUGUU 863 AACAAGAUGAACUUCCCAC 1432 NM_001735.2_2361-2379_s 2361-2379 UCAUCUUGUUCCCAGAAGA 864 UCUUCUGGGAACAAGAUGA 1433 NM_001735.2_2372-2390_s 2372-2390 CCAGAAGAAAACAGUUGCA 865 UGCAACUGUUUUCUUCUGG 1434 NM_001735.2_2383-2401_s 2383-2401 CAGUUGCAGUUUGCCCUAC 866 GUAGGGCAAACUGCAACUG 1435 NM_001735.2_2389-2407_s 2389-2407 CAGUUUGCCCUACCUGAUU 867 AAUCAGGUAGGGCAAACUG 1436 NM_001735.2_2401-2419_s 2401-2419 CCUGAUUCUCUAACCACCU 868 AGGUGGUUAGAGAAUCAGG 1437 NM_001735.2_2413-2431_s 2413-2431 ACCACCUGGGAAAUUCAAG 869 CUUGAAUUUCCCAGGUGGU 1438 NM_001735.2_2422-2440_s 2422-2440 GAAAUUCAAGGCGUUGGCA 870 UGCCAACGCCUUGAAUUUC 1439 NM_001735.2_2433-2451_s 2433-2451 CGUUGGCAUUUCAAACACU 871 AGUGUUUGAAAUGCCAACG 1440 NM_001735.2_2439-2457_s 2439-2457 CAUUUCAAACACUGGUAUA 872 UAUACCAGUGUUUGAAAUG 1441 NM_001735.2_2453-2471_s 2453-2471 GUAUAUGUGUUGCUGAUAC 873 GUAUCAGCAACACAUAUAC 1442 NM_001735.2_2463-2481_s 2463-2481 UGCUGAUACUGUCAAGGCA 874 UGCCUUGACAGUAUCAGCA 1443 NM_001735.2_2471-2489_s 2471-2489 CUGUCAAGGCAAAGGUGUU 875 AACACCUUUGCCUUGACAG 1444 NM_001735.2_2483-2501_s 2483-2501 AGGUGUUCAAAGAUGUCUU 876 AAGACAUCUUUGAACACCU 1445 NM_001735.2_2490-2508_s 2490-2508 CAAAGAUGUCUUCCUGGAA 877 UUCCAGGAAGACAUCUUUG 1446 NM_001735.2_2499-2517_s 2499-2517 CUUCCUGGAAAUGAAUAUA 878 UAUAUUCAUUUCCAGGAAG 1447 NM_001735.2_2511-2529_s 2511-2529 GAAUAUACCAUAUUCUGUU 879 AACAGAAUAUGGUAUAUUC 1448 NM_001735.2_2520-2538_s 2520-2538 AUAUUCUGUUGUACGAGGA 880 UCCUCGUACAACAGAAUAU 1449 NM_001735.2_2533-2551_s 2533-2551 CGAGGAGAACAGAUCCAAU 881 AUUGGAUCUGUUCUCCUCG 1450 NM_001735.2_2539-2557_s 2539-2557 GAACAGAUCCAAUUGAAAG 882 CUUUCAAUUGGAUCUGUUC 1451 NM_001735.2_2553-2571_s 2553-2571 GAAAGGAACUGUUUACAAC 883 GUUGUAAACAGUUCCUUUC 1452 NM_001735.2_2560-2578_s 2560-2578 ACUGUUUACAACUAUAGGA 884 UCCUAUAGUUGUAAACAGU 1453 NM_001735.2_2569-2587_s 2569-2587 AACUAUAGGACUUCUGGGA 885 UCCCAGAAGUCCUAUAGUU 1454 NM_001735.2_2583-2601_s 2583-2601 UGGGAUGCAGUUCUGUGUU 886 AACACAGAACUGCAUCCCA 1455 NM_001735.2_2592-2610_s 2592-2610 GUUCUGUGUUAAAAUGUCU 887 AGACAUUUUAACACAGAAC 1456 NM_001735.2_2600-2618_s 2600-2618 UUAAAAUGUCUGCUGUGGA 888 UCCACAGCAGACAUUUUAA 1457 NM_001735.2_2612-2630_s 2612-2630 CUGUGGAGGGAAUCUGCAC 889 GUGCAGAUUCCCUCCACAG 1458 NM_001735.2_2620-2638_s 2620-2638 GGAAUCUGCACUUCGGAAA 890 UUUCCGAAGUGCAGAUUCC 1459 NM_001735.2_2633-2651_s 2633-2651 CGGAAAGCCCAGUCAUUGA 891 UCAAUGACUGGGCUUUCCG 1460 NM_001735.2_2641-2659_s 2641-2659 CCAGUCAUUGAUCAUCAGG 892 CCUGAUGAUCAAUGACUGG 1461 NM_001735.2_2653-2671_s 2653-2671 CAUCAGGGCACAAAGUCCU 893 AGGACUUUGUGCCCUGAUG 1462 NM_001735.2_2659-2677_s 2659-2677 GGCACAAAGUCCUCCAAAU 894 AUUUGGAGGACUUUGUGCC 1463 NM_001735.2_2673-2691_s 2673-2691 CAAAUGUGUGCGCCAGAAA 895 UUUCUGGCGCACACAUUUG 1464 NM_001735.2_2682-2700_s 2682-2700 GCGCCAGAAAGUAGAGGGC 896 GCCCUCUACUUUCUGGCGC 1465 NM_001735.2_2691-2709_s 2691-2709 AGUAGAGGGCUCCUCCAGU 897 ACUGGAGGAGCCCUCUACU 1466 NM_001735.2_2702-2720_s 2702-2720 CCUCCAGUCACUUGGUGAC 898 GUCACCAAGUGACUGGAGG 1467 NM_001735.2_2709-2727_s 2709-2727 UCACUUGGUGACAUUCACU 899 AGUGAAUGUCACCAAGUGA 1468 NM_001735.2_2720-2738_s 2720-2738 CAUUCACUGUGCUUCCUCU 900 AGAGGAAGCACAGUGAAUG 1469 NM_001735.2_2739-2757_s 2739-2757 GGAAAUUGGCCUUCACAAC 901 GUUGUGAAGGCCAAUUUCC 1470 NM_001735.2_2749-2767_s 2749-2767 CUUCACAACAUCAAUUUUU 902 AAAAAUUGAUGUUGUGAAG 1471 NM_001735.2_2761-2779_s 2761-2779 AAUUUUUCACUGGAGACUU 903 AAGUCUCCAGUGAAAAAUU 1472 NM_001735.2_2770-2788_s 2770-2788 CUGGAGACUUGGUUUGGAA 904 UUCCAAACCAAGUCUCCAG 1473 NM_001735.2_2780-2798_s 2780-2798 GGUUUGGAAAAGAAAUCUU 905 AAGAUUUCUUUUCCAAACC 1474 NM_001735.2_2793-2811_s 2793-2811 AAUCUUAGUAAAAACAUUA 906 UAAUGUUUUUACUAAGAUU 1475 NM_001735.2_2802-2820_s 2802-2820 AAAAACAUUACGAGUGGUG 907 CACCACUCGUAAUGUUUUU 1476 NM_001735.2_2813-2831_s 2813-2831 GAGUGGUGCCAGAAGGUGU 908 ACACCUUCUGGCACCACUC 1477 NM_001735.2_2823-2841_s 2823-2841 AGAAGGUGUCAAAAGGGAA 909 UUCCCUUUUGACACCUUCU 1478 NM_001735.2_2829-2847_s 2829-2847 UGUCAAAAGGGAAAGCUAU 910 AUAGCUUUCCCUUUUGACA 1479 NM_001735.2_2843-2861_s 2843-2861 GCUAUUCUGGUGUUACUUU 911 AAAGUAACACCAGAAUAGC 1480 NM_001735.2_2852-2870_s 2852-2870 GUGUUACUUUGGAUCCUAG 912 CUAGGAUCCAAAGUAACAC 1481 NM_001735.2_2862-2880_s 2862-2880 GGAUCCUAGGGGUAUUUAU 913 AUAAAUACCCCUAGGAUCC 1482 NM_001735.2_2872-2890_s 2872-2890 GGUAUUUAUGGUACCAUUA 914 UAAUGGUACCAUAAAUACC 1483 NM_001735.2_2882-2900_s 2882-2900 GUACCAUUAGCAGACGAAA 915 UUUCGUCUGCUAAUGGUAC 1484 NM_001735.2_2892-2910_s 2892-2910 CAGACGAAAGGAGUUCCCA 916 UGGGAACUCCUUUCGUCUG 1485 NM_001735.2_2900-2918_s 2900-2918 AGGAGUUCCCAUACAGGAU 917 AUCCUGUAUGGGAACUCCU 1486 NM_001735.2_2909-2927_s 2909-2927 CAUACAGGAUACCCUUAGA 918 UCUAAGGGUAUCCUGUAUG 1487 NM_001735.2_2922-2940_s 2922-2940 CUUAGAUUUGGUCCCCAAA 919 UUUGGGGACCAAAUCUAAG 1488 NM_001735.2_2933-2951_s 2933-2951 UCCCCAAAACAGAAAUCAA 920 UUGAUUUCUGUUUUGGGGA 1489 NM_001735.2_2941-2959_s 2941-2959 ACAGAAAUCAAAAGGAUUU 921 AAAUCCUUUUGAUUUCUGU 1490 NM_001735.2_2951-2969_s 2951-2969 AAAGGAUUUUGAGUGUAAA 922 UUUACACUCAAAAUCCUUU 1491 NM_001735.2_2962-2980_s 2962-2980 AGUGUAAAAGGACUGCUUG 923 CAAGCAGUCCUUUUACACU 1492 NM_001735.2_2969-2987_s 2969-2987 AAGGACUGCUUGUAGGUGA 924 UCACCUACAAGCAGUCCUU 1493 NM_001735.2_2980-2998_s 2980-2998 GUAGGUGAGAUCUUGUCUG 925 CAGACAAGAUCUCACCUAC 1494 NM_001735.2_2989-3007_s 2989-3007 AUCUUGUCUGCAGUUCUAA 926 UUAGAACUGCAGACAAGAU 1495 NM_001735.2_3001-3019_s 3001-3019 GUUCUAAGUCAGGAAGGCA 927 UGCCUUCCUGACUUAGAAC 1496 NM_001735.2_3013-3031_s 3013-3031 GAAGGCAUCAAUAUCCUAA 928 UUAGGAUAUUGAUGCCUUC 1497 NM_001735.2_3020-3038_s 3020-3038 UCAAUAUCCUAACCCACCU 929 AGGUGGGUUAGGAUAUUGA 1498 NM_001735.2_3033-3051_s 3033-3051 CCACCUCCCCAAAGGGAGU 930 ACUCCCUUUGGGGAGGUGG 1499 NM_001735.2_3039-3057_s 3039-3057 CCCCAAAGGGAGUGCAGAG 931 CUCUGCACUCCCUUUGGGG 1500 NM_001735.2_3050-3068_s 3050-3068 GUGCAGAGGCGGAGCUGAU 932 AUCAGCUCCGCCUCUGCAC 1501 NM_001735.2_3060-3078_s 3060-3078 GGAGCUGAUGAGCGUUGUC 933 GACAACGCUCAUCAGCUCC 1502 NM_001735.2_3072-3090_s 3072-3090 CGUUGUCCCAGUAUUCUAU 934 AUAGAAUACUGGGACAACG 1503 NM_001735.2_3079-3097_s 3079-3097 CCAGUAUUCUAUGUUUUUC 935 GAAAAACAUAGAAUACUGG 1504 NM_001735.2_3091-3109_s 3091-3109 GUUUUUCACUACCUGGAAA 936 UUUCCAGGUAGUGAAAAAC 1505 NM_001735.2_3102-3120_s 3102-3120 CCUGGAAACAGGAAAUCAU 937 AUGAUUUCCUGUUUCCAGG 1506 NM_001735.2_3122-3140_s 3122-3140 GGAACAUUUUUCAUUCUGA 938 UCAGAAUGAAAAAUGUUCC 1507 NM_001735.2_3133-3151_s 3133-3151 CAUUCUGACCCAUUAAUUG 939 CAAUUAAUGGGUCAGAAUG 1508 NM_001735.2_3142-3160_s 3142-3160 CCAUUAAUUGAAAAGCAGA 940 UCUGCUUUUCAAUUAAUGG 1509 NM_001735.2_3153-3171_s 3153-3171 AAAGCAGAAACUGAAGAAA 941 UUUCUUCAGUUUCUGCUUU 1510 NM_001735.2_3161-3179_s 3161-3179 AACUGAAGAAAAAAUUAAA 942 UUUAAUUUUUUCUUCAGUU 1511 NM_001735.2_3169-3187_s 3169-3187 AAAAAAUUAAAAGAAGGGA 943 UCCCUUCUUUUAAUUUUUU 1512 NM_001735.2_3183-3201_s 3183-3201 AGGGAUGUUGAGCAUUAUG 944 CAUAAUGCUCAACAUCCCU 1513 NM_001735.2_3192-3210_s 3192-3210 GAGCAUUAUGUCCUACAGA 945 UCUGUAGGACAUAAUGCUC 1514 NM_001735.2_3200-3218_s 3200-3218 UGUCCUACAGAAAUGCUGA 946 UCAGCAUUUCUGUAGGACA 1515 NM_001735.2_3211-3229_s 3211-3229 AAUGCUGACUACUCUUACA 947 UGUAAGAGUAGUCAGCAUU 1516 NM_001735.2_3220-3238_s 3220-3238 UACUCUUACAGUGUGUGGA 948 UCCACACACUGUAAGAGUA 1517 NM_001735.2_3229-3247_s 3229-3247 AGUGUGUGGAAGGGUGGAA 949 UUCCACCCUUCCACACACU 1518 NM_001735.2_3240-3258_s 3240-3258 GGGUGGAAGUGCUAGCACU 950 AGUGCUAGCACUUCCACCC 1519 NM_001735.2_3250-3268_s 3250-3268 GCUAGCACUUGGUUAACAG 951 CUGUUAACCAAGUGCUAGC 1520 NM_001735.2_3260-3278_s 3260-3278 GGUUAACAGCUUUUGCUUU 952 AAAGCAAAAGCUGUUAACC 1521 NM_001735.2_3273-3291_s 3273-3291 UGCUUUAAGAGUACUUGGA 953 UCCAAGUACUCUUAAAGCA 1522 NM_001735.2_3283-3301_s 3283-3301 GUACUUGGACAAGUAAAUA 954 UAUUUACUUGUCCAAGUAC 1523 NM_001735.2_3292-3310_s 3292-3317 CAAGUAAAUAAAUACGUAG 955 CUACGUAUUUAUUUACUUG 1524 NM_001735.2_3299-3317_s 3299-3317 AUAAAUACGUAGAGCAGAA 956 UUCUGCUCUACGUAUUUAU 1525 NM_001735.2_3310-3328_s 3310-3328 GAGCAGAACCAAAAUUCAA 957 UUGAAUUUUGGUUCUGCUC 1526 NM_001735.2_3322-3340_s 3322-3340 AAUUCAAUUUGUAAUUCUU 958 AAGAAUUACAAAUUGAAUU 1527 NM_001735.2_3332-3350_s 3332-3350 GUAAUUCUUUAUUGUGGCU 959 AGCCACAAUAAAGAAUUAC 1528 NM_001735.2_3342-3360_s 3342-3360 AUUGUGGCUAGUUGAGAAU 960 AUUCUCAACUAGCCACAAU 1529 NM_001735.2_3349-3367_s 3349-3367 CUAGUUGAGAAUUAUCAAU 961 AUUGAUAAUUCUCAACUAG 1530 NM_001735.2_3360-3378_s 3360-3378 UUAUCAAUUAGAUAAUGGA 962 UCCAUUAUCUAAUUGAUAA 1531 NM_001735.2_3373-3391_s 3373-3391 AAUGGAUCUUUCAAGGAAA 963 UUUCCUUGAAAGAUCCAUU 1532 NM_001735.2_3380-3398_s 3380-3398 CUUUCAAGGAAAAUUCACA 964 UGUGAAUUUUCCUUGAAAG 1533 NM_001735.2_3391-3409_s 3391-3409 AAUUCACAGUAUCAACCAA 965 UUGGUUGAUACUGUGAAUU 1534 NM_001735.2_3399-3417_s 3399-3417 GUAUCAACCAAUAAAAUUA 966 UAAUUUUAUUGGUUGAUAC 1535 NM_001735.2_3411-3429_s 3411-3429 AAAAUUACAGGGUACCUUG 967 CAAGGUACCCUGUAAUUUU 1536 NM_001735.2_3419-3437_s 3419-3437 AGGGUACCUUGCCUGUUGA 968 UCAACAGGCAAGGUACCCU 1537 NM_001735.2_3433-3451_s 3433-3451 GUUGAAGCCCGAGAGAACA 969 UGUUCUCUCGGGCUUCAAC 1538 NM_001735.2_3441-3459_s 3441-3559 CCGAGAGAACAGCUUAUAU 970 AUAUAAGCUGUUCUCUCGG 1539 NM_001735.2_3452-3470_s 3452-3470 GCUUAUAUCUUACAGCCUU 971 AAGGCUGUAAGAUAUAAGC 1540 NM_001735.2_3460-3478_s 3460-3478 CUUACAGCCUUUACUGUGA 972 UCACAGUAAAGGCUGUAAG 1541 NM_001735.2_3482-3500_s 3482-3500 GAAUUAGAAAGGCUUUCGA 973 UCGAAAGCCUUUCUAAUUC 1542 NM_001735.2_3492-3510_s 3492-3510 GGCUUUCGAUAUAUGCCCC 974 GGGGCAUAUAUCGAAAGCC 1543 NM_001735.2_3499-3517_s 3499-3517 GAUAUAUGCCCCCUGGUGA 975 UCACCAGGGGGCAUAUAUC 1544 NM_001735.2_3513-3531_s 3513-3531 GGUGAAAAUCGACACAGCU 976 AGCUGUGUCGAUUUUCACC 1545 NM_001735.2_3522-3540_s 3522-3540 CGACACAGCUCUAAUUAAA 977 UUUAAUUAGAGCUGUGUCG 1546 NM_001735.2_3529-3547_s 3529-3547 GCUCUAAUUAAAGCUGACA 978 UGUCAGCUUUAAUUAGAGC 1547 NM_001735.2_3542-3560_s 3542-3560 CUGACAACUUUCUGCUUGA 979 UCAAGCAGAAAGUUGUCAG 1548 NM_001735.2_3549-3567_s 3549-3567 CUUUCUGCUUGAAAAUACA 980 UGUAUUUUCAAGCAGAAAG 1549 NM_001735.2_3560-3578_s 3560-3578 AAAAUACACUGCCAGCCCA 981 UGGGCUGGCAGUGUAUUUU 1550 NM_001735.2_3573-3591_s 3573-3591 AGCCCAGAGCACCUUUACA 982 UGUAAAGGUGCUCUGGGCU 1551 NM_001735.2_3581-3599_s 3581-3599 GCACCUUUACAUUGGCCAU 983 AUGGCCAAUGUAAAGGUGC 1552 NM_001735.2_3589-3607_s 3589-3607 ACAUUGGCCAUUUCUGCGU 984 ACGCAGAAAUGGCCAAUGU 1553 NM_001735.2_3602-3620_s 3602-3620 CUGCGUAUGCUCUUUCCCU 985 AGGGAAAGAGCAUACGCAG 1554 NM_001735.2_3613-3631_s 3613-3631 CUUUCCCUGGGAGAUAAAA 986 UUUUAUCUCCCAGGGAAAG 1555 NM_001735.2_3623-3641_s 3623-3641 GAGAUAAAACUCACCCACA 987 UGUGGGUGAGUUUUAUCUC 1556 NM_001735.2_3631-3649_s 3631-3649 ACUCACCCACAGUUUCGUU 988 AACGAAACUGUGGGUGAGU 1557 NM_001735.2_3640-3658_s 3640-3658 CAGUUUCGUUCAAUUGUUU 989 AAACAAUUGAACGAAACUG 1558 NM_001735.2_3650-3668_s 3650-3668 CAAUUGUUUCAGCUUUGAA 990 UUCAAAGCUGAAACAAUUG 1559 NM_001735.2_3662-3680_s 3662-3680 CUUUGAAGAGAGAAGCUUU 991 AAAGCUUCUCUCUUCAAAG 1560 NM_001735.2_3669-3687_s 3669-3687 GAGAGAAGCUUUGGUUAAA 992 UUUAACCAAAGCUUCUCUC 1561 NM_001735.2_3682-3700_s 3682-3700 GUUAAAGGUAAUCCACCCA 993 UGGGUGGAUUACCUUUAAC 1562 NM_001735.2_3691-3709_s 3691-3709 AAUCCACCCAUUUAUCGUU 994 AACGAUAAAUGGGUGGAUU 1563 NM_001735.2_3699-3717_s 3699-3717 CAUUUAUCGUUUUUGGAAA 995 UUUCCAAAAACGAUAAAUG 1564 NM_001735.2_3710-3728_s 3710-3728 UUUGGAAAGACAAUCUUCA 996 UGAAGAUUGUCUUUCCAAA 1565 NM_001735.2_3721-3739_s 3721-3739 AAUCUUCAGCAUAAAGACA 997 UGUCUUUAUGCUGAAGAUU 1566 NM_001735.2_3730-3748_s 3730-3748 CAUAAAGACAGCUCUGUAC 998 GUACAGAGCUGUCUUUAUG 1567 NM_001735.2_3741-3759_s 3741-3759 CUCUGUACCUAACACUGGU 999 ACCAGUGUUAGGUACAGAG 1568 NM_001735.2_3752-3770_s 3752-3770 ACACUGGUACGGCACGUAU 1000 AUACGUGCCGUACCAGUGU 1569 NM_001735.2_3762-3780_s 3762-3780 GGCACGUAUGGUAGAAACA 1001 UGUUUCUACCAUACGUGCC 1570 NM_001735.2_3771-3789_s 3771-3789 GGUAGAAACAACUGCCUAU 1002 AUAGGCAGUUGUUUCUACC 1571 NM_001735.2_3779-3797_s 3779-3797 CAACUGCCUAUGCUUUACU 1003 AGUAAAGCAUAGGCAGUUG 1572 NM_001735.2_3791-3809_s 3791-3809 CUUUACUCACCAGUCUGAA 1004 UUCAGACUGGUGAGUAAAG 1573 NM_001735.2_3803-3821_s 3803-3821 GUCUGAACUUGAAAGAUAU 1005 AUAUCUUUCAAGUUCAGAC 1574 NM_001735.2_3809-3827_s 3809-3827 ACUUGAAAGAUAUAAAUUA 1006 UAAUUUAUAUCUUUCAAGU 1575 NM_001735.2_3819-3837_s 3819-3837 UAUAAAUUAUGUUAACCCA 1007 UGGGUUAACAUAAUUUAUA 1576 NM_001735.2_3829-3847_s 3829-3847 GUUAACCCAGUCAUCAAAU 1008 AUUUGAUGACUGGGUUAAC 1577 NM_001735.2_3839-3857_s 3839-3857 UCAUCAAAUGGCUAUCAGA 1009 UCUGAUAGCCAUUUGAUGA 1578 NM_001735.2_3851-3869_s 3851-3869 UAUCAGAAGAGCAGAGGUA 1010 UACCUCUGCUCUUCUGAUA 1579 NM_001735.2_3863-3881_s 3863-3881 AGAGGUAUGGAGGUGGCUU 1011 AAGCCACCUCCAUACCUCU 1580 NM_001735.2_3872-3890_s 3872-3890 GAGGUGGCUUUUAUUCAAC 1012 GUUGAAUAAAAGCCACCUC 1581 NM_001735.2_3883-3901_s 3883-3901 UAUUCAACCCAGGACACAA 1013 UUGUGUCCUGGGUUGAAUA 1582 NM_001735.2_3893-3911_s 3893-3911 AGGACACAAUCAAUGCCAU 1014 AUGGCAUUGAUUGUGUCCU 1583 NM_001735.2_3899-3917_s 3899-3917 CAAUCAAUGCCAUUGAGGG 1015 CCCUCAAUGGCAUUGAUUG 1584 NM_001735.2_3909-3927_s 3909-3927 CAUUGAGGGCCUGACGGAA 1016 UUCCGUCAGGCCCUCAAUG 1585 NM_001735.2_3922-3940_s 3922-3940 ACGGAAUAUUCACUCCUGG 1017 CCAGGAGUGAAUAUUCCGU 1586 NM_001735.2_3930-3948_s 3930-3948 UUCACUCCUGGUUAAACAA 1018 UUGUUUAACCAGGAGUGAA 1587 NM_001735.2_3939-3957_s 3939-3957 GGUUAAACAACUCCGCUUG 1019 CAAGCGGAGUUGUUUAACC 1588 NM_001735.2_3951-3969_s 3951-3969 CCGCUUGAGUAUGGACAUC 1020 GAUGUCCAUACUCAAGCGG 1589 NM_001735.2_3963-3981_s 3963-3981 GGACAUCGAUGUUUCUUAC 1021 GUAAGAAACAUCGAUGUCC 1590 NM_001735.2_3969-3987_s 3969-3987 CGAUGUUUCUUACAAGCAU 1022 AUGCUUGUAAGAAACAUCG 1591 NM_001735.2_3981-3999_s 3981-3999 CAAGCAUAAAGGUGCCUUA 1023 UAAGGCACCUUUAUGCUUG 1592 NM_001735.2_3992-4010_s 3992-4010 GUGCCUUACAUAAUUAUAA 1024 UUAUAAUUAUGUAAGGCAC 1593 NM_001735.2_3999-4017_s 3999-4017 ACAUAAUUAUAAAAUGACA 1025 UGUCAUUUUAUAAUUAUGU 1594 NM_001735.2_4009-4027_s 4009-4027 AAAAUGACAGACAAGAAUU 1026 AAUUCUUGUCUGUCAUUUU 1595 NM_001735.2_4020-4038_s 4020-4038 CAAGAAUUUCCUUGGGAGG 1027 CCUCCCAAGGAAAUUCUUG 1596 NM_001735.2_4029-4047_s 4029-4047 CCUUGGGAGGCCAGUAGAG 1028 CUCUACUGGCCUCCCAAGG 1597 NM_001735.2_4041-4059_s 4041-4059 AGUAGAGGUGCUUCUCAAU 1029 AUUGAGAAGCACCUCUACU 1598 NM_001735.2_4051-4069_s 4051-4069 CUUCUCAAUGAUGACCUCA 1030 UGAGGUCAUCAUUGAGAAG 1599 NM_001735.2_4062-4080_s 4062-4080 UGACCUCAUUGUCAGUACA 1031 UGUACUGACAAUGAGGUCA 1600 NM_001735.2_4072-4090_s 4072-4090 GUCAGUACAGGAUUUGGCA 1032 UGCCAAAUCCUGUACUGAC 1601 NM_001735.2_4080-4098_s 4080-4098 AGGAUUUGGCAGUGGCUUG 1033 CAAGCCACUGCCAAAUCCU 1602 NM_001735.2_4092-4110_s 4092-4110 UGGCUUGGCUACAGUACAU 1034 AUGUACUGUAGCCAAGCCA 1603 NM_001735.2_4099-4117_s 4099-4117 GCUACAGUACAUGUAACAA 1035 UUGUUACAUGUACUGUAGC 1604 NM_001735.2_4113-4131_s 4113-4131 AACAACUGUAGUUCACAAA 1036 UUUGUGAACUACAGUUGUU 1605 NM_001735.2_4120-4138_s 4120-4138 GUAGUUCACAAAACCAGUA 1037 UACUGGUUUUGUGAACUAC 1606 NM_001735.2_4130-4148_s 4130-4148 AAACCAGUACCUCUGAGGA 1038 UCCUCAGAGGUACUGGUUU 1607 NM_001735.2_4143-4161_s 4143-4161 UGAGGAAGUUUGCAGCUUU 1039 AAAGCUGCAAACUUCCUCA 1608 NM_001735.2_4153-4171_s 4153-4171 UGCAGCUUUUAUUUGAAAA 1040 UUUUCAAAUAAAAGCUGCA 1609 NM_001735.2_4163-4181_s 4163-4181 AUUUGAAAAUCGAUACUCA 1041 UGAGUAUCGAUUUUCAAAU 1610 NM_001735.2_4173-4191_s 4173-4191 CGAUACUCAGGAUAUUGAA 1042 UUCAAUAUCCUGAGUAUCG 1611 NM_001735.2_4182-4200_s 4182-4200 GGAUAUUGAAGCAUCCCAC 1043 GUGGGAUGCUUCAAUAUCC 1612 NM_001735.2_4189-4207_s 4189-4207 GAAGCAUCCCACUACAGAG 1044 CUCUGUAGUGGGAUGCUUC 1613 NM_001735.2_4199-4217_s 4199-4217 ACUACAGAGGCUACGGAAA 1045 UUUCCGUAGCCUCUGUAGU 1614 NM_001735.2_4212-4230_s 4212-4230 CGGAAACUCUGAUUACAAA 1046 UUUGUAAUCAGAGUUUCCG 1615 NM_001735.2_4221-4239_s 4221-4239 UGAUUACAAACGCAUAGUA 1047 UACUAUGCGUUUGUAAUCA 1616 NM_001735.2_4232-4250_s 4232-4250 GCAUAGUAGCAUGUGCCAG 1048 CUGGCACAUGCUACUAUGC 1617 NM_001735.2_4240-4258_s 4240-4258 GCAUGUGCCAGCUACAAGC 1049 GCUUGUAGCUGGCACAUGC 1618 NM_001735.2_4251-4269_s 4251-4269 CUACAAGCCCAGCAGGGAA 1050 UUCCCUGCUGGGCUUGUAG 1619 NM_001735.2_4260-4278_s 4260-4278 CAGCAGGGAAGAAUCAUCA 1051 UGAUGAUUCUUCCCUGCUG 1620 NM_001735.2_4270-4288_s 4270-4288 GAAUCAUCAUCUGGAUCCU 1052 AGGAUCCAGAUGAUGAUUC 1621 NM_001735.2_4283-4301_s 4283-4301 GAUCCUCUCAUGCGGUGAU 1053 AUCACCGCAUGAGAGGAUC 1622 NM_001735.2_4289-4307_s 4289-4307 CUCAUGCGGUGAUGGACAU 1054 AUGUCCAUCACCGCAUGAG 1623 NM_001735.2_4299-4317_s 4299-4317 GAUGGACAUCUCCUUGCCU 1055 AGGCAAGGAGAUGUCCAUC 1624 NM_001735.2_4311-4329_s 4311-4329 CUUGCCUACUGGAAUCAGU 1056 ACUGAUUCCAGUAGGCAAG 1625 NM_001735.2_4322-4340_s 4322-4340 GAAUCAGUGCAAAUGAAGA 1057 UCUUCAUUUGCACUGAUUC 1626 NM_001735.2_4332-4350_s 4332-4350 AAAUGAAGAAGACUUAAAA 1058 UUUUAAGUCUUCUUCAUUU 1627 NM_001735.2_4339-4357_s 4339-4357 GAAGACUUAAAAGCCCUUG 1059 CAAGGGCUUUUAAGUCUUC 1628 NM_001735.2_4353-4371_s 4353-4371 CCUUGUGGAAGGGGUGGAU 1060 AUCCACCCCUUCCACAAGG 1629 NM_001735.2_4360-4378_s 4360-4378 GAAGGGGUGGAUCAACUAU 1061 AUAGUUGAUCCACCCCUUC 1630 NM_001735.2_4370-4388_s 4370-4388 AUCAACUAUUCACUGAUUA 1062 UAAUCAGUGAAUAGUUGAU 1631 NM_001735.2_4380-4398_s 4380-4398 CACUGAUUACCAAAUCAAA 1063 UUUGAUUUGGUAAUCAGUG 1632 NM_001735.2_4393-4411_s 4393-4411 AUCAAAGAUGGACAUGUUA 1064 UAACAUGUCCAUCUUUGAU 1633 NM_001735.2_4402-4420_s 4402-4420 GGACAUGUUAUUCUGCAAC 1065 GUUGCAGAAUAACAUGUCC 1634 NM_001735.2_4413-4431_s 4413-4431 UCUGCAACUGAAUUCGAUU 1066 AAUCGAAUUCAGUUGCAGA 1635 NM_001735.2_4422-4440_s 4422-4440 GAAUUCGAUUCCCUCCAGU 1067 ACUGGAGGGAAUCGAAUUC 1636 NM_001735.2_4432-4450_s 4432-4450 CCCUCCAGUGAUUUCCUUU 1068 AAAGGAAAUCACUGGAGGG 1637 NM_001735.2_4441-4459_s 4441-4459 GAUUUCCUUUGUGUACGAU 1069 AUCGUACACAAAGGAAAUC 1638 NM_001735.2_4453-4471_s 4453-4471 GUACGAUUCCGGAUAUUUG 1070 CAAAUAUCCGGAAUCGUAC 1639 NM_001735.2_4462-4480_s 4462-4480 CGGAUAUUUGAACUCUUUG 1071 CAAAGAGUUCAAAUAUCCG 1640 NM_001735.2_4473-4491_s 4473-4491 ACUCUUUGAAGUUGGGUUU 1072 AAACCCAACUUCAAAGAGU 1641 NM_001735.2_4482-4500_s 4482-4500 AGUUGGGUUUCUCAGUCCU 1073 AGGACUGAGAAACCCAACU 1642 NM_001735.2_4490-4508_s 4490-4508 UUCUCAGUCCUGCCACUUU 1074 AAAGUGGCAGGACUGAGAA 1643 NM_001735.2_4503-4521_s 4503-4521 CACUUUCACAGUGUACGAA 1075 UUCGUACACUGUGAAAGUG 1644 NM_001735.2_4509-4527_s 4509-4527 CACAGUGUACGAAUACCAC 1076 GUGGUAUUCGUACACUGUG 1645 NM_001735.2_4523-4541_s 4523-4541 ACCACAGACCAGAUAAACA 1077 UGUUUAUCUGGUCUGUGGU 1646 NM_001735.2_4531-4549_s 4531-4549 CCAGAUAAACAGUGUACCA 1078 UGGUACACUGUUUAUCUGG 1647 NM_001735.2_4540-4558_s 4540-4558 CAGUGUACCAUGUUUUAUA 1079 UAUAAAACAUGGUACACUG 1648 NM_001735.2_4551-4569_s 4551-4569 GUUUUAUAGCACUUCCAAU 1080 AUUGGAAGUGCUAUAAAAC 1649 NM_001735.2_4562-4580_s 4562-4580 CUUCCAAUAUCAAAAUUCA 1081 UGAAUUUUGAUAUUGGAAG 1650 NM_001735.2_4570-4588_s 4570-4588 AUCAAAAUUCAGAAAGUCU 1082 AGACUUUCUGAAUUUUGAU 1651 NM_001735.2_4581-4599_s 4581-4599 GAAAGUCUGUGAAGGAGCC 1083 GGCUCCUUCACAGACUUUC 1652 NM_001735.2_4591-4609_s 4591-4609 GAAGGAGCCGCGUGCAAGU 1084 ACUUGCACGCGGCUCCUUC 1653 NM_001735.2_4601-4619_s 4601-4619 CGUGCAAGUGUGUAGAAGC 1085 GCUUCUACACACUUGCACG 1654 NM_001735.2_4612-4630_s 4612-4630 GUAGAAGCUGAUUGUGGGC 1086 GCCCACAAUCAGCUUCUAC 1655 NM_001735.2_4619-4637_s 4619-4637 CUGAUUGUGGGCAAAUGCA 1087 UGCAUUUGCCCACAAUCAG 1656 NM_001735.2_4629-4647_s 4629-4647 GCAAAUGCAGGAAGAAUUG 1088 CAAUUCUUCCUGCAUUUGC 1657 NM_001735.2_4639-4657_s 4639-4657 GAAGAAUUGGAUCUGACAA 1089 UUGUCAGAUCCAAUUCUUC 1658 NM_001735.2_4651-4669_s 4651-4669 CUGACAAUCUCUGCAGAGA 1090 UCUCUGCAGAGAUUGUCAG 1659 NM_001735.2_4663-4681_s 4663-4681 GCAGAGACAAGAAAACAAA 1091 UUUGUUUUCUUGUCUCUGC 1660 NM_001735.2_4670-4688_s 4670-4688 CAAGAAAACAAACAGCAUG 1092 CAUGCUGUUUGUUUUCUUG 1661 NM_001735.2_4681-4699_s 4681-4699 ACAGCAUGUAAACCAGAGA 1093 UCUCUGGUUUACAUGCUGU 1662 NM_001735.2_4693-4711_s 4693-4711 CCAGAGAUUGCAUAUGCUU 1094 AAGCAUAUGCAAUCUCUGG 1663 NM_001735.2_4702-4720_s 4702-4720 GCAUAUGCUUAUAAAGUUA 1095 UAACUUUAUAAGCAUAUGC 1664 NM_001735.2_4710-4728_s 4710-4728 UUAUAAAGUUAGCAUCACA 1096 UGUGAUGCUAACUUUAUAA 1665 NM_001735.2_4722-4740_s 4722-4740 CAUCACAUCCAUCACUGUA 1097 UACAGUGAUGGAUGUGAUG 1666 NM_001735.2_4733-4751_s 4733-4751 UCACUGUAGAAAAUGUUUU 1098 AAAACAUUUUCUACAGUGA 1667 NM_001735.2_4740-4758_s 4740-4758 AGAAAAUGUUUUUGUCAAG 1099 CUUGACAAAAACAUUUUCU 1668 NM_001735.2_4750-4768_s 4750-4768 UUUGUCAAGUACAAGGCAA 1100 UUGCCUUGUACUUGACAAA 1669 NM_001735.2_4763-4781_s 4763-4781 AGGCAACCCUUCUGGAUAU 1101 AUAUCCAGAAGGGUUGCCU 1670 NM_001735.2_4770-4788_s 4770-4788 CCUUCUGGAUAUCUACAAA 1102 UUUGUAGAUAUCCAGAAGG 1671 NM_001735.2_4779-4797_s 4779-4797 UAUCUACAAAACUGGGGAA 1103 UUCCCCAGUUUUGUAGAUA 1672 NM_001735.2_4790-4808_s 4790-4808 CUGGGGAAGCUGUUGCUGA 1104 UCAGCAACAGCUUCCCCAG 1673 NM_001735.2_4799-4817_s 4799-4817 CUGUUGCUGAGAAAGACUC 1105 GAGUCUUUCUCAGCAACAG 1674 NM_001735.2_4813-4831_s 4813-4831 GACUCUGAGAUUACCUUCA 1106 UGAAGGUAAUCUCAGAGUC 1675 NM_001735.2_4819-4837_s 4819-4837 GAGAUUACCUUCAUUAAAA 1107 UUUUAAUGAAGGUAAUCUC 1676 NM_001735.2_4831-4849_s 4831-4849 AUUAAAAAGGUAACCUGUA 1108 UACAGGUUACCUUUUUAAU 1677 NM_001735.2_4841-4859_s 4841-4859 UAACCUGUACUAACGCUGA 1109 UCAGCGUUAGUACAGGUUA 1678 NM_001735.2_4850-4868_s 4850-4868 CUAACGCUGAGCUGGUAAA 1110 UUUACCAGCUCAGCGUUAG 1679 NM_001735.2_4863-4881_s 4863-4881 GGUAAAAGGAAGACAGUAC 1111 GUACUGUCUUCCUUUUACC 1680 NM_001735.2_4871-4889_s 4871-4889 GAAGACAGUACUUAAUUAU 1112 AUAAUUAAGUACUGUCUUC 1681 NM_001735.2_4881-4899_s 4881-4899 CUUAAUUAUGGGUAAAGAA 1113 UUCUUUACCCAUAAUUAAG 1682 NM_001735.2_4893-4911_s 4893-4911 UAAAGAAGCCCUCCAGAUA 1114 UAUCUGGAGGGCUUCUUUA 1683 NM_001735.2_4902-4920_s 4902-4920 CCUCCAGAUAAAAUACAAU 1115 AUUGUAUUUUAUCUGGAGG 1684 NM_001735.2_4912-4930_s 4912-4930 AAAUACAAUUUCAGUUUCA 1116 UGAAACUGAAAUUGUAUUU 1685 NM_001735.2_4923-4941_s 4923-4941 CAGUUUCAGGUACAUCUAC 1117 GUAGAUGUACCUGAAACUG 1686 NM_001735.2_4931-4949_s 4931-4949 GGUACAUCUACCCUUUAGA 1118 UCUAAAGGGUAGAUGUACC 1687 NM_001735.2_4942-4960_s 4942-4960 CCUUUAGAUUCCUUGACCU 1119 AGGUCAAGGAAUCUAAAGG 1688 NM_001735.2_4952-4970_s 4952-4970 CCUUGACCUGGAUUGAAUA 1120 UAUUCAAUCCAGGUCAAGG 1689 NM_001735.2_4961-4979_s 4961-4979 GGAUUGAAUACUGGCCUAG 1121 CUAGGCCAGUAUUCAAUCC 1690 NM_001735.2_4971-4989_s 4971-4989 CUGGCCUAGAGACACAACA 1122 UGUUGUGUCUCUAGGCCAG 1691 NM_001735.2_4979-4997_s 4979-4997 GAGACACAACAUGUUCAUC 1123 GAUGAACAUGUUGUGUCUC 1692 NM_001735.2_4991-5009_s 4991-5009 GUUCAUCGUGUCAAGCAUU 1124 AAUGCUUGACACGAUGAAC 1693 NM_001735.2_5000-5018_s 5000-5018 GUCAAGCAUUUUUAGCUAA 1125 UUAGCUAAAAAUGCUUGAC 1694 NM_001735.2_5013-5031_s 5013-5031 AGCUAAUUUAGAUGAAUUU 1126 AAAUUCAUCUAAAUUAGCU 1695 NM_001735.2_5022-5040_s 5022-5040 AGAUGAAUUUGCCGAAGAU 1127 AUCUUCGGCAAAUUCAUCU 1696 NM_001735.2_5033-5051_s 5033-5051 CCGAAGAUAUCUUUUUAAA 1128 UUUAAAAAGAUAUCUUCGG 1697 NM_001735.2_5043-5061_s 5043-5061 CUUUUUAAAUGGAUGCUAA 1129 UUAGCAUCCAUUUAAAAAG 1698 NM_001735.2_5053-5071_s 5053-5071 GGAUGCUAAAAUUCCUGAA 1130 UUCAGGAAUUUUAGCAUCC 1699 NM_001735.2_5059-5077_s 5059-5077 UAAAAUUCCUGAAGUUCAG 1131 CUGAACUUCAGGAAUUUUA 1700 NM_001735.2_5071-5089_s 5071-5089 AGUUCAGCUGCAUACAGUU 1132 AACUGUAUGCAGCUGAACU 1701 NM_001735.2_5080-5098_s 5080-5098 GCAUACAGUUUGCACUUAU 1133 AUAAGUGCAAACUGUAUGC 1702 NM_001735.2_5093-5111_s 5093-5111 ACUUAUGGACUCCUGUUGU 1134 ACAACAGGAGUCCAUAAGU 1703 NM_001735.2_5099-5117_s 5099-5117 GGACUCCUGUUGUUGAAGU 1135 ACUUCAACAACAGGAGUCC 1704 NM_001735.2_5109-5127_s 5109-5127 UGUUGAAGUUCGUUUUUUU 1136 AAAAAAACGAACUUCAACA 1705 NM_001735.2_5122-5140_s 5122-5140 UUUUUUGUUUUCUUCUUUU 1137 AAAAGAAGAAAACAAAAAA 1706 NM_001735.2_5132-5150_s 5132-5150 UCUUCUUUUUUUAAACAUU 1138 AAUGUUUAAAAAAAGAAGA 1707 NM_001735.2_5139-5157_s 5139-5157 UUUUUAAACAUUCAUAGCU 1139 AGCUAUGAAUGUUUAAAAA 1708 NM_001735.2_5152-5170_s 5152-5170 AUAGCUGGUCUUAUUUGUA 1140 UACAAAUAAGACCAGCUAU 1709 NM_001735.2_5159-5177_s 5159-5177 GUCUUAUUUGUAAAGCUCA 1141 UGAGCUUUACAAAUAAGAC 1710 NM_001735.2_5170-5188_s 5170-5188 AAAGCUCACUUUACUUAGA 1142 UCUAAGUAAAGUGAGCUUU 1711 NM_001735.2_5182-5200_s 5182-5200 ACUUAGAAUUAGUGGCACU 1143 AGUGCCACUAAUUCUAAGU 1712 NM_001735.2_5192-5210_s 5192-5210 AGUGGCACUUGCUUUUAUU 1144 AAUAAAAGCAAGUGCCACU 1713 NM_001735.2_5202-5220_s 5202-5220 GCUUUUAUUAGAGAAUGAU 1145 AUCAUUCUCUAAUAAAAGC 1714 NM_001735.2_5212-5230_s 5212-5230 GAGAAUGAUUUCAAAUGCU 1146 AGCAUUUGAAAUCAUUCUC 1715 NM_001735.2_5220-5238_s 5220-5238 UUUCAAAUGCUGUAACUUU 1147 AAAGUUACAGCAUUUGAAA 1716 NM_001735.2_5231-5249_s 5231-5249 GUAACUUUCUGAAAUAACA 1148 UGUUAUUUCAGAAAGUUAC 1717 NM_001735.2_5241-5259_s 5241-5259 GAAAUAACAUGGCCUUGGA 1149 UCCAAGGCCAUGUUAUUUC 1718 NM_001735.2_5253-5271_s 5253-5271 CCUUGGAGGGCAUGAAGAC 1150 GUCUUCAUGCCCUCCAAGG 1719 NM_001735.2_5259-5277_s 5259-5277 AGGGCAUGAAGACAGAUAC 1151 GUAUCUGUCUUCAUGCCCU 1720 NM_001735.2_5273-5291_s 5273-5291 GAUACUCCUCCAAGGUUAU 1152 AUAACCUUGGAGGAGUAUC 1721 NM_001735.2_5279-5297_s 5279-5297 CCUCCAAGGUUAUUGGACA 1153 UGUCCAAUAACCUUGGAGG 1722 NM_001735.2_5293-5311_s 5293-5311 GGACACCGGAAACAAUAAA 1154 UUUAUUGUUUCCGGUGUCC 1723 NM_001735.2_5301-5319_s 5301-5319 GAAACAAUAAAUUGGAACA 1155 UGUUCCAAUUUAUUGUUUC 1724 NM_001735.2_5311-5329_s 5311-5329 AUUGGAACACCUCCUCAAA 1156 UUUGAGGAGGUGUUCCAAU 1725 NM_001735.2_5322-5340_s 5322-5340 UCCUCAAACCUACCACUCA 1157 UGAGUGGUAGGUUUGAGGA 1726 NM_001735.2_5331-5349_s 5331-5349 CUACCACUCAGGAAUGUUU 1158 AAACAUUCCUGAGUGGUAG 1727 NM_001735.2_5343-5361_s 5343-5361 AAUGUUUGCUGGGGCCGAA 1159 UUCGGCCCCAGCAAACAUU 1728 NM_001735.2_5349-5367_s 5349-5367 UGCUGGGGCCGAAAGAACA 1160 UGUUCUUUCGGCCCCAGCA 1729 NM_001735.2_5360-5378_s 5360-5378 AAAGAACAGUCCAUUGAAA 1161 UUUCAAUGGACUGUUCUUU 1730 NM_001735.2_5371-5389_s 5371-5389 CAUUGAAAGGGAGUAUUAC 1162 GUAAUACUCCCUUUCAAUG 1731 NM_001735.2_5380-5398_s 5380-5398 GGAGUAUUACAAAAACAUG 1163 CAUGUUUUUGUAAUACUCC 1732 NM_001735.2_5391-5409_s 5391-5409 AAAACAUGGCCUUUGCUUG 1164 CAAGCAAAGGCCAUGUUUU 1733 NM_001735.2_5399-5417_s 5399-5417 GCCUUUGCUUGAAAGAAAA 1165 UUUUCUUUCAAGCAAAGGC 1734 NM_001735.2_5409-5427_s 5409-5427 GAAAGAAAAUACCAAGGAA 1166 UUCCUUGGUAUUUUCUUUC 1735 NM_001735.2_5420-5438_s 5420-5438 CCAAGGAACAGGAAACUGA 1167 UCAGUUUCCUGUUCCUUGG 1736 NM_001735.2_5433-5451_s 5433-5451 AACUGAUCAUUAAAGCCUG 1168 CAGGCUUUAAUGAUCAGUU 1737 NM_001735.2_5441-5459_s 5441-5459 AUUAAAGCCUGAGUUUGCU 1169 AGCAAACUCAGGCUUUAAU 1738

Example 5. In Vivo C5 Silencing

Groups of three female cynomolgus macaques were treated with C5-siRNA AD-58641 subcutaneously in the scapular and mid-dorsal areas of the back at 2.5 mg/kg or 5 mg/kg doses or a vehicle control. Two rounds of dosing were administered with eight doses in each round given every third day. Serum C5 was collected and evaluated using an ELISA assay specific for C5 detection (Abcam) at the indicated time points (FIG. 13 ). C5 levels were normalized to the average of three pre-dose samples. Samples collected prior to dosing, and on day 23 (24 hours after the last dose administered in the first round of treatment) were analyzed by complete serum chemistry, hematology and coagulation panels.

Analysis of serum C5 protein levels relative to pre-treatment serum C5 protein levels demonstrated that the 5 mg/kg AD-58641 dosing regimen reduced serum C5 protein levels up to 98% (FIG. 12 ). The average serum C5 levels were reduced by 97% at the nadir, indicating that the majority of circulating C5 is hepatic in origin. There was potent, dose-dependent and durable knock-down of serum C5 protein levels with subcutaneous administration of AD-58641. No changes in hematology, serum chemistry or coagulation parameters were identified 24 hours after the first round of dosing.

Serum hemolytic activity was also analyzed using a sensitized sheep erythrocyte assay to measure classical pathway activity. The percent hemolysis was calculated relative to maximal hemolysis and to background hemolysis in control samples. Mean hemolysis values +/− the SEM for three animals were calculated and analyzed (FIG. 13 ). Hemolysis was reduced up to 94% in the 5 mg/kg dosing regimen with an average inhibition of 92% at the nadir. The reduction in hemolysis was maintained for greater than two weeks following the last dose.

Example 6. In Vitro Screening of Additional siRNAs

The C5 sense and antisense strand sequences shown in Table 20 were modified at the 3′-terminus with a short sequence of deoxy-thymine nucleotides (dT) (Table 21). The in vitro efficacy of duplexes comprising the sense and anti sense sequences listed in Table 21 was determined using the following methods.

Cell Culture and Transfections

Hep3B cells (ATCC, Manassas, VA) were grown to near confluence at 37° C. in an atmosphere of 5% CO₂ in EMEM (ATCC) supplemented with 10% FBS, before being released from the plate by trypsinization. Transfection was carried out by adding Sal of Opti-MEM plus 0.1 μl of Lipofectamine RNAiMax per well (Invitrogen, Carlsbad CA. cat #13778-150) to 5 μl of siRNA duplexes per well into a 384-well plate and incubated at room temperature for 15 minutes. 40 μl of complete growth media containing ˜5×10³ Hep3B cells were then added to the siRNA mixture. Cells were incubated for 24 hours prior to RNA purification. Experiments were performed at 10 nM final duplex concentration.

Total RNA Isolation Using DYNABEADS mRNA Isolation Kit (Invitrogen, Part #: 610-12)

RNA isolation was performed using a semi-automated process of a Biotek EL 405 washer. Briefly, cells were lysed in 75 μl of Lysis/Binding Buffer containing 2 ul of Dynabeads, then mixed for 10 minutes on setting 7 of an electromagnetic shaker (Union Scientific). Magnetic beads were captured using magnetic stand and the supernatant was removed. After removing supernatant, magnetic beads were washed with 90 μl Wash Buffer A, followed by 90 μl of Wash buffer B. Beads were then washed twice with 100 ul of Elution buffer which was then aspirated and cDNA generated directly on bead bound RNA in the 384 well plate.

cDNA Synthesis Using ABI High Capacity cDNA Reverse Transcription Kit (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA, Cat #4368813)

A master mix of 2 μl 10× Buffer, 0.8 μl 125× dNTPs, 2 μl Random primers, 1 μl Reverse Transcriptase, 1 μl RNase inhibitor and 3.2 μl of H₂O per reaction were added directly to the bead bound RNA in the 384 well plates used for RNA isolation. Plates were then shaken on an electromagnetic shaker for 10 minutes and then placed in a 37° C. incubator for 2 hours. Following this incubation, plates were place on a shake in an 80° C. incubator for 7 minutes to inactivate the enzyme and elute the RNA/cDNA from the beads.

Real Time PCR

2 μl of cDNA were added to a master mix containing 0.5 μl GAPDH TaqMan Probe (Applied Biosystems Cat #4326317E), 0.5 μl C5 TaqMan probe (Applied Biosystems cat #Hs00156197_M1) and 5 μl Lightcycler 480 probe master mix (Roche Cat #04887301001) per well in a 384 well plates (Roche cat #04887301001). Real time PCR was done in a Roche LC480 Real Time PCR system (Roche). Each duplex was tested in in at least two independent transfections and each transfection was assayed in duplicate.

To calculate relative fold change, real time data were analyzed using the ΔΔCt method and normalized to assays performed with cells transfected with 10 nM AD-1955, or mock transfected cells.

Table 22 shows the results of a single dose screen in Hep3B cells transfected with the indicated dT modified iRNAs. Data are expressed as percent of message remaining relative to untreated cells.

TABLE 21 dT Modified C5 iRNAs SEQ ID Position in SEQ ID Duplex ID Sense Sequence NO: NM _001735.2 Antisense Sequence NO: AD-61779.2 UAUCCGUGGUUUCCUGCUAdTdT 1739    3-21 UAGCAGGAAACCACGGAUAdTdT 2306 AD-61785.2 GGUUUCCUGCUACCUCCAAdTdT 1740   10-28 UUGGAGGUAGCAGGAAACCdTdT 2307 AD-61791.2 CCUCCAACCAUGGGCCUUUdTdT 1741   22-40 AAAGGCCCAUGGUUGGAGGdTdT 2308 AD-61797.2 GGGCCUUUUGGGAAUACUUdTdT 1742   33-51 AAGUAUUCCCAAAAGGCCCdTdT 2309 AD-61803.2 GGAAUACUUUGUUUUUUAAdTdT 1743   43-61 UUAAAAAACAAAGUAUUCCdTdT 2310 AD-61809.2 CUUUGUUUUUUAAUCUUCCdTdT 1744   49-67 GGAAGAUUAAAAAACAAAGdTdT 2311 AD-61815.2 CUUCCUGGGGAAAACCUGGdTdT 1745   63-81 CCAGGUUUUCCCCAGGAAGdTdT 2312 AD-61821.2 GGAAAACCUGGGGACAGGAdTdT 1746   71-89 UCCUGUCCCCAGGUUUUCCdTdT 2313 AD-61780.2 GGGACAGGAGCAAACAUAUdTdT 1747   81-99 AUAUGUUUGCUCCUGUCCCdTdT 2314 AD-61786.2 CAAACAUAUGUCAUUUCAGdTdT 1748   91-109 CUGAAAUGACAUAUGUUUGdTdT 2315 AD-61792.2 CAUUUCAGCACCAAAAAUAdTdT 1749  102-120 UAUUUUUGGUGCUGAAAUGdTdT 2316 AD-61798.2 GCACCAAAAAUAUUCCGUGdTdT 1750  109-127 CACGGAAUAUUUUUGGUGCdTdT 2317 AD-61804.2 CCGUGUUGGAGCAUCUGAAdTdT 1751  123-141 UUCAGAUGCUCCAACACGGdTdT 2318 AD-61810.2 GGAGCAUCUGAAAAUAUUGdTdT 1752  130-148 CAAUAUUUUCAGAUGCUCCdTdT 2319 AD-61816.2 GAAAAUAUUGUGAUUCAAGdTdT 1753  139-157 CUUGAAUCACAAUAUUUUCdTdT 2320 AD-61822.2 GAUUCAAGUUUAUGGAUACdTdT 1754  150-168 GUAUCCAUAAACUUGAAUCdTdT 2321 AD-61781.2 GGAUACACUGAAGCAUUUGdTdT 1755  163-181 CAAAUGCUUCAGUGUAUCCdTdT 2322 AD-61787.2 GAAGCAUUUGAUGCAACAAdTdT 1756  172-190 UUGUUGCAUCAAAUGCUUCdTdT 2323 AD-61793.2 UGCAACAAUCUCUAUUAAAdTdT 1757  183-201 UUUAAUAGAGAUUGUUGCAdTdT 2324 AD-61799.2 AAUCUCUAUUAAAAGUUAUdTdT 1758  189-207 AUAACUUUUAAUAGAGAUUdTdT 2325 AD-61805.2 AAGUUAUCCUGAUAAAAAAdTdT 1759  201-219 UUUUUUAUCAGGAUAACUUdTdT 2326 AD-61811.2 CUGAUAAAAAAUUUAGUUAdTdT 1760  209-227 UAACUAAAUUUUUUAUCAGdTdT 2327 AD-61817.2 UUAGUUACUCCUCAGGCCAdTdT 1761  221-239 UGGCCUGAGGAGUAACUAAdTdT 2328 AD-61823.2 CCUCAGGCCAUGUUCAUUUdTdT 1762  230-248 AAAUGAACAUGGCCUGAGGdTdT 2329 AD-61782.2 UUCAUUUAUCCUCAGAGAAdTdT 1763  242-260 UUCUCUGAGGAUAAAUGAAdTdT 2330 AD-61788.2 CUCAGAGAAUAAAUUCCAAdTdT 1764  252-270 UUGGAAUUUAUUCUCUGAGdTdT 2331 AD-61794.2 AAUAAAUUCCAAAACUCUGdTdT 1765  259-277 CAGAGUUUUGGAAUUUAUUdTdT 2332 AD-61800.2 CUCUGCAAUCUUAACAAUAdTdT 1766  273-291 UAUUGUUAAGAUUGCAGAGdTdT 2333 AD-61806.2 CUUAACAAUACAACCAAAAdTdT 1767  282-300 UUUUGGUUGUAUUGUUAAGdTdT 2334 AD-61812.2 CAACCAAAACAAUUGCCUGdTdT 1768  292-310 CAGGCAAUUGUUUUGGUUGdTdT 2335 AD-61818.2 CAAUUGCCUGGAGGACAAAdTdT 1769  301-319 UUUGUCCUCCAGGCAAUUGdTdT 2336 AD-61824.2 GGACAAAACCCAGUUUCUUdTdT 1770  313-331 AAGAAACUGGGUUUUGUCCdTdT 2337 AD-61783.2 CCAGUUUCUUAUGUGUAUUdTdT 1771  322-340 AAUACACAUAAGAAACUGGdTdT 2338 AD-61789.2 AUGUGUAUUUGGAAGUUGUdTdT 1772  332-350 ACAACUUCCAAAUACACAUdTdT 2339 AD-61795.2 GGAAGUUGUAUCAAAGCAUdTdT 1773  342-360 AUGCUUUGAUACAACUUCCdTdT 2340 AD-61801.2 GUAUCAAAGCAUUUUUCAAdTdT 1774  349-367 UUGAAAAAUGCUUUGAUACdTdT 2341 AD-61807.2 UUUUCAAAAUCAAAAAGAAdTdT 1775  361-379 UUCUUUUUGAUUUUGAAAAdTdT 2342 AD-61813.2 CAAAAAGAAUGCCAAUAACdTdT 1776  371-389 GUUAUUGGCAUUCUUUUUGdTdT 2343 AD-61819.2 GCCAAUAACCUAUGACAAUdTdT 1777  381-399 AUUGUCAUAGGUUAUUGGCdTdT 2344 AD-61825.2 CCUAUGACAAUGGAUUUCUdTdT 1778  389-407 AGAAAUCCAUUGUCAUAGGdTdT 2345 AD-61784.2 UGGAUUUCUCUUCAUUCAUdTdT 1779  399-417 AUGAAUGAAGAGAAAUCCAdTdT 2346 AD-61790.2 CAUUCAUACAGACAAACCUdTdT 1780  411-429 AGGUUUGUCUGUAUGAAUGdTdT 2347 AD-61796.2 CAGACAAACCUGUUUAUACdTdT 1781  419-437 GUAUAAACAGGUUUGUCUGdTdT 2348 AD-61802.2 GUUUAUACUCCAGACCAGUdTdT 1782  430-448 ACUGGUCUGGAGUAUAAACdTdT 2349 AD-61808.2 AGACCAGUCAGUAAAAGUUdTdT 1783  441-459 AACUUUUACUGACUGGUCUdTdT 2350 AD-61814.2 AGUAAAAGUUAGAGUUUAUdTdT 1784  450-468 AUAAACUCUAACUUUUACUdTdT 2351 AD-61820.2 AGAGUUUAUUCGUUGAAUGdTdT 1785  460-478 CAUUCAACGAAUAAACUCUdTdT 2352 AD-61826.2 CGUUGAAUGACGACUUGAAdTdT 1786  470-488 UUCAAGUCGUCAUUCAACGdTdT 2353 AD-61832.2 CUUGAAGCCAGCCAAAAGAdTdT 1787  483-501 UCUUUUGGCUGGCUUCAAGdTdT 2354 AD-61838.2 CCAGCCAAAAGAGAAACUGdTdT 1788  490-508 CAGUUUCUCUUUUGGCUGGdTdT 2355 AD-61844.2 AAACUGUCUUAACUUUCAUdTdT 1789  503-521 AUGAAAGUUAAGACAGUUUdTdT 2356 AD-61850.2 AACUUUCAUAGAUCCUGAAdTdT 1790  513-531 UUCAGGAUCUAUGAAAGUUdTdT 2357 AD-61856.2 CAUAGAUCCUGAAGGAUCAdTdT 1791  519-537 UGAUCCUUCAGGAUCUAUGdTdT 2358 AD-61862.2 GAAGGAUCAGAAGUUGACAdTdT 1792  529-547 UGUCAACUUCUGAUCCUUCdTdT 2359 AD-61868.2 UGACAUGGUAGAAGAAAUUdTdT 1793  543-561 AAUUUCUUCUACCAUGUCAdTdT 2360 AD-61827.2 GAAGAAAUUGAUCAUAUUGdTdT 1794  553-571 CAAUAUGAUCAAUUUCUUCdTdT 2361 AD-61833.2 GAUCAUAUUGGAAUUAUCUdTdT 1795  562-580 AGAUAAUUCCAAUAUGAUCdTdT 2362 AD-61839.2 GGAAUUAUCUCUUUUCCUGdTdT 1796  571-589 CAGGAAAAGAGAUAAUUCCdTdT 2363 AD-61845.2 CUCUUUUCCUGACUUCAAGdTdT 1797  579-597 CUUGAAGUCAGGAAAAGAGdTdT 2364 AD-61851.2 ACUUCAAGAUUCCGUCUAAdTdT 1798  590-608 UUAGACGGAAUCUUGAAGUdTdT 2365 AD-61857.2 CCGUCUAAUCCUAGAUAUGdTdT 1799  601-619 CAUAUCUAGGAUUAGACGGdTdT 2366 AD-61863.2 CCUAGAUAUGGUAUGUGGAdTdT 1800  610-628 UCCACAUACCAUAUCUAGGdTdT 2367 AD-61869.2 UGUGGACGAUCAAGGCUAAdTdT 1801  623-641 UUAGCCUUGAUCGUCCACAdTdT 2368 AD-61828.2 CGAUCAAGGCUAAAUAUAAdTdT 1802  629-647 UUAUAUUUAGCCUUGAUCGdTdT 2369 AD-61834.2 AUAUAAAGAGGACUUUUCAdTdT 1803  642-660 UGAAAAGUCCUCUUUAUAUdTdT 2370 AD-61840.2 GAGGACUUUUCAACAACUGdTdT 1804  649-667 CAGUUGUUGAAAAGUCCUCdTdT 2371 AD-61846.2 CAACUGGAACCGCAUAUUUdTdT 1805  662-680 AAAUAUGCGGUUCCAGUUGdTdT 2372 AD-61852.2 CGCAUAUUUUGAAGUUAAAdTdT 1806  672-690 UUUAACUUCAAAAUAUGCGdTdT 2373 AD-61858.2 AAGUUAAAGAAUAUGUCUUdTdT 1807  683-701 AAGACAUAUUCUUUAACUUdTdT 2374 AD-61864.2 GAAUAUGUCUUGCCACAUUdTdT 1808  691-709 AAUGUGGCAAGACAUAUUCdTdT 2375 AD-61870.2 CCACAUUUUUCUGUCUCAAdTdT 1809  703-721 UUGAGACAGAAAAAUGUGGdTdT 2376 AD-61829.2 CUGUCUCAAUCGAGCCAGAdTdT 1810  713-731 UCUGGCUCGAUUGAGACAGdTdT 2377 AD-61835.2 CAAUCGAGCCAGAAUAUAAdTdT 1811  719-737 UUAUAUUCUGGCUCGAUUGdTdT 2378 AD-61841.2 GAAUAUAAUUUCAUUGGUUdTdT 1812  730-748 AACCAAUGAAAUUAUAUUCdTdT 2379 AD-61847.2 AUUGGUUACAAGAACUUUAdTdT 1813  742-760 UAAAGUUCUUGUAACCAAUdTdT 2380 AD-61853.2 AGAACUUUAAGAAUUUUGAdTdT 1814  752-770 UCAAAAUUCUUAAAGUUCUdTdT 2381 AD-61859.2 GAAUUUUGAAAUUACUAUAdTdT 1815  762-780 UAUAGUAAUUUCAAAAUUCdTdT 2382 AD-61865.2 GAAAUUACUAUAAAAGCAAdTdT 1816  769-787 UUGCUUUUAUAGUAAUUUCdTdT 2383 AD-61871.2 AAAGCAAGAUAUUUUUAUAdTdT 1817  781-799 UAUAAAAAUAUCUUGCUUUdTdT 2384 AD-61830.2 AUAUUUUUAUAAUAAAGUAdTdT 1818  789-807 UACUUUAUUAUAAAAAUAUdTdT 2385 AD-61836.2 AAGUAGUCACUGAGGCUGAdTdT 1819  803-821 UCAGCCUCAGUGACUACUUdTdT 2386 AD-61842.2 CACUGAGGCUGACGUUUAUdTdT 1820  810-828 AUAAACGUCAGCCUCAGUGdTdT 2387 AD-61848.2 CGUUUAUAUCACAUUUGGAdTdT 1821  822-840 UCCAAAUGUGAUAUAAACGdTdT 2388 AD-61854.2 CACAUUUGGAAUAAGAGAAdTdT 1822  831-849 UUCUCUUAUUCCAAAUGUGdTdT 2389 AD-61860.2 AAUAAGAGAAGACUUAAAAdTdT 1823  840-858 UUUUAAGUCUUCUCUUAUUdTdT 2390 AD-61866.2 CUUAAAAGAUGAUCAAAAAdTdT 1824  852-870 UUUUUGAUCAUCUUUUAAGdTdT 2391 AD-61872.2 GAUGAUCAAAAAGAAAUGAdTdT 1825  859-877 UCAUUUCUUUUUGAUCAUCdTdT 2392 AD-61831.2 AAAUGAUGCAAACAGCAAUdTdT 1826  872-890 AUUGCUGUUUGCAUCAUUUdTdT 2393 AD-61837.2 ACAGCAAUGCAAAACACAAdTdT 1827  883-901 UUGUGUUUUGCAUUGCUGUdTdT 2394 AD-61843.2 AAAACACAAUGUUGAUAAAdTdT 1828  893-911 UUUAUCAACAUUGUGUUUUdTdT 2395 AD-61849.2 CAAUGUUGAUAAAUGGAAUdTdT 1829  899-917 AUUCCAUUUAUCAACAUUGdTdT 2396 AD-61855.2 GGAAUUGCUCAAGUCACAUdTdT 1830  913-931 AUGUGACUUGAGCAAUUCCdTdT 2397 AD-61861.2 GCUCAAGUCACAUUUGAUUdTdT 1831  919-937 AAUCAAAUGUGACUUGAGCdTdT 2398 AD-61867.2 AUUUGAUUCUGAAACAGCAdTdT 1832  930-948 UGCUGUUUCAGAAUCAAAUdTdT 2399 AD-62062.1 UGAAACAGCAGUCAAAGAAdTdT 1833  939-957 UUCUUUGACUGCUGUUUCAdTdT 2400 AD-62068.1 CAAAGAACUGUCAUACUACdTdT 1834  951-969 GUAGUAUGACAGUUCUUUGdTdT 2401 AD-62074.1 CAUACUACAGUUUAGAAGAdTdT 1835  962-980 UCUUCUAAACUGUAGUAUGdTdT 2402 AD-62080.1 CAGUUUAGAAGAUUUAAACdTdT 1836  969-987 GUUUAAAUCUUCUAAACUGdTdT 2403 AD-62086.1 UAAACAACAAGUACCUUUAdTdT 1837  983-1001 UAAAGGUACUUGUUGUUUAdTdT 2404 AD-62092.1 CAAGUACCUUUAUAUUGCUdTdT 1838  990-1008 AGCAAUAUAAAGGUACUUGdTdT 2405 AD-62098.1 UAUUGCUGUAACAGUCAUAdTdT 1839 1002-1020 UAUGACUGUUACAGCAAUAdTdT 2406 AD-62104.1 AACAGUCAUAGAGUCUACAdTdT 1840 1011-1029 UGUAGACUCUAUGACUGUUdTdT 2407 AD-62063.1 AGAGUCUACAGGUGGAUUUdTdT 1841 1020-1038 AAAUCCACCUGUAGACUCUdTdT 2408 AD-62069.1 GGAUUUUCUGAAGAGGCAGdTdT 1842 1033-1051 CUGCCUCUUCAGAAAAUCCdTdT 2409 AD-62075.1 GAAGAGGCAGAAAUACCUGdTdT 1843 1042-1060 CAGGUAUUUCUGCCUCUUCdTdT 2410 AD-62081.1 AGAAAUACCUGGCAUCAAAdTdT 1844 1050-1068 UUUGAUGCCAGGUAUUUCUdTdT 2411 AD-62087.1 GCAUCAAAUAUGUCCUCUCdTdT 1845 1061-1079 GAGAGGACAUAUUUGAUGCdTdT 2412 AD-62093.1 UGUCCUCUCUCCCUACAAAdTdT 1846 1071-1089 UUUGUAGGGAGAGAGGACAdTdT 2413 AD-62099.1 GAAUUUGGUUGCUACUCCUdTdT 1847 1092-1110 AGGAGUAGCAACCAAAUUCdTdT 2414 AD-62105.1 GCUACUCCUCUUUUCCUGAdTdT 1848 1102-1120 UCAGGAAAAGAGGAGUAGCdTdT 2415 AD-62064.1 CUCUUUUCCUGAAGCCUGGdTdT 1849 1109-1127 CCAGGCUUCAGGAAAAGAGdTdT 2416 AD-62070.1 CCUGGGAUUCCAUAUCCCAdTdT 1850 1123-1141 UGGGAUAUGGAAUCCCAGGdTdT 2417 AD-62076.1 CAUAUCCCAUCAAGGUGCAdTdT 1851 1133-1151 UGCACCUUGAUGGGAUAUGdTdT 2418 AD-62082.1 CCAUCAAGGUGCAGGUUAAdTdT 1852 1139-1157 UUAACCUGCACCUUGAUGGdTdT 2419 AD-62088.1 CAGGUUAAAGAUUCGCUUGdTdT 1853 1150-1168 CAAGCGAAUCUUUAACCUGdTdT 2420 AD-62094.1 UUCGCUUGACCAGUUGGUAdTdT 1854 1161-1179 UACCAACUGGUCAAGCGAAdTdT 2421 AD-62100.1 CCAGUUGGUAGGAGGAGUCdTdT 1855 1170-1188 GACUCCUCCUACCAACUGGdTdT 2422 AD-62106.1 GGAGGAGUCCCAGUAACACdTdT 1856 1180-1198 GUGUUACUGGGACUCCUCCdTdT 2423 AD-62065.1 CAGUAACACUGAAUGCACAdTdT 1857 1190-1208 UGUGCAUUCAGUGUUACUGdTdT 2424 AD-62071.1 GAAUGCACAAACAAUUGAUdTdT 1858 1200-1218 AUCAAUUGUUUGUGCAUUCdTdT 2425 AD-62077.1 AACAAUUGAUGUAAACCAAdTdT 1859 1209-1227 UUGGUUUACAUCAAUUGUUdTdT 2426 AD-62083.1 UAAACCAAGAGACAUCUGAdTdT 1860 1220-1238 UCAGAUGUCUCUUGGUUUAdTdT 2427 AD-62089.1 CAUCUGACUUGGAUCCAAGdTdT 1861 1232-1250 CUUGGAUCCAAGUCAGAUGdTdT 2428 AD-62095.1 GAUCCAAGCAAAAGUGUAAdTdT 1862 1243-1261 UUACACUUUUGCUUGGAUCdTdT 2429 AD-62101.1 CAAAAGUGUAACACGUGUUdTdT 1863 1251-1269 AACACGUGUUACACUUUUGdTdT 2430 AD-62107.1 AACACGUGUUGAUGAUGGAdTdT 1864 1260-1278 UCCAUCAUCAACACGUGUUdTdT 2431 AD-62066.1 UGAUGGAGUAGCUUCCUUUdTdT 1865 1272-1290 AAAGGAAGCUACUCCAUCAdTdT 2432 AD-62072.1 GUAGCUUCCUUUGUGCUUAdTdT 1866 1279-1297 UAAGCACAAAGGAAGCUACdTdT 2433 AD-62078.1 GCUUAAUCUCCCAUCUGGAdTdT 1867 1293-1311 UCCAGAUGGGAGAUUAAGCdTdT 2434 AD-62084.1 CCAUCUGGAGUGACGGUGCdTdT 1868 1303-1321 GCACCGUCACUCCAGAUGGdTdT 2435 AD-62090.1 UGACGGUGCUGGAGUUUAAdTdT 1869 1313-1331 UUAAACUCCAGCACCGUCAdTdT 2436 AD-62096.1 GCUGGAGUUUAAUGUCAAAdTdT 1870 1320-1338 UUUGACAUUAAACUCCAGCdTdT 2437 AD-62102.1 UGUCAAAACUGAUGCUCCAdTdT 1871 1332-1350 UGGAGCAUCAGUUUUGACAdTdT 2438 AD-62108.1 GAUGCUCCAGAUCUUCCAGdTdT 1872 1342-1360 CUGGAAGAUCUGGAGCAUCdTdT 2439 AD-62067.1 CAGAUCUUCCAGAAGAAAAdTdT 1873 1349-1367 UUUUCUUCUGGAAGAUCUGdTdT 2440 AD-62073.1 AGAAAAUCAGGCCAGGGAAdTdT 1874 1362-1380 UUCCCUGGCCUGAUUUUCUdTdT 2441 AD-62079.1 GGCCAGGGAAGGUUACCGAdTdT 1875 1371-1389 UCGGUAACCUUCCCUGGCCdTdT 2442 AD-62085.1 GUUACCGAGCAAUAGCAUAdTdT 1876 1382-1400 UAUGCUAUUGCUCGGUAACdTdT 2443 AD-62091.1 AUAGCAUACUCAUCUCUCAdTdT 1877 1393-1411 UGAGAGAUGAGUAUGCUAUdTdT 2444 AD-62097.1 UACUCAUCUCUCAGCCAAAdTdT 1878 1399-1417 UUUGGCUGAGAGAUGAGUAdTdT 2445 AD-62103.1 GCCAAAGUUACCUUUAUAUdTdT 1879 1412-1430 AUAUAAAGGUAACUUUGGCdTdT 2446 AD-62109.1 CCUUUAUAUUGAUUGGACUdTdT 1880 1422-1440 AGUCCAAUCAAUAUAAAGGdTdT 2447 AD-62115.1 GAUUGGACUGAUAACCAUAdTdT 1881 1432-1450 UAUGGUUAUCAGUCCAAUCdTdT 2448 AD-62121.1 CUGAUAACCAUAAGGCUUUdTdT 1882 1439-1457 AAAGCCUUAUGGUUAUCAGdTdT 2449 AD-62127.1 AGGCUUUGCUAGUGGGAGAdTdT 1883 1451-1469 UCUCCCACUAGCAAAGCCUdTdT 2450 AD-62133.1 GUGGGAGAACAUCUGAAUAdTdT 1884 1462-1480 UAUUCAGAUGUUCUCCCACdTdT 2451 AD-62139.1 CAUCUGAAUAUUAUUGUUAdTdT 1885 1471-1489 UAACAAUAAUAUUCAGAUGdTdT 2452 AD-62145.1 UAUUAUUGUUACCCCCAAAdTdT 1886 1479-1497 UUUGGGGGUAACAAUAAUAdTdT 2453 AD-62151.1 CCCAAAAGCCCAUAUAUUGdTdT 1887 1492-1510 CAAUAUAUGGGCUUUUGGGdTdT 2454 AD-62110.1 CCAAAAGCCCAUAUAUUGAdTdT 1888 1493-1511 UCAAUAUAUGGGCUUUUGGdTdT 2455 AD-62116.1 CAAAAGCCCAUAUAUUGACdTdT 1889 1494-1512 GUCAAUAUAUGGGCUUUUGdTdT 2456 AD-62122.1 AAAAGCCCAUAUAUUGACAdTdT 1890 1495-1513 UGUCAAUAUAUGGGCUUUUdTdT 2457 AD-62128.1 AAAGCCCAUAUAUUGACAAdTdT 1891 1496-1514 UUGUCAAUAUAUGGGCUUUdTdT 2458 AD-62134.1 AAGCCCAUAUAUUGACAAAdTdT 1892 1497-1515 UUUGUCAAUAUAUGGGCUUdTdT 2459 AD-62140.1 AGCCCAUAUAUUGACAAAAdTdT 1893 1498-1516 UUUUGUCAAUAUAUGGGCUdTdT 2460 AD-62146.1 GCCCAUAUAUUGACAAAAUdTdT 1894 1499-1517 AUUUUGUCAAUAUAUGGGCdTdT 2461 AD-62152.1 CCCAUAUAUUGACAAAAUAdTdT 1895 1500-1518 UAUUUUGUCAAUAUAUGGGdTdT 2462 AD-62111.1 CCAUAUAUUGACAAAAUAAdTdT 1896 1501-1519 UUAUUUUGUCAAUAUAUGGdTdT 2463 AD-62117.1 CAUAUAUUGACAAAAUAACdTdT 1897 1502-1520 GUUAUUUUGUCAAUAUAUGdTdT 2464 AD-62123.1 AUAUAUUGACAAAAUAACUdTdT 1898 1503-1521 AGUUAUUUUGUCAAUAUAUdTdT 2465 AD-62129.1 UAUAUUGACAAAAUAACUCdTdT 1899 1504-1522 GAGUUAUUUUGUCAAUAUAdTdT 2466 AD-62135.1 AUAUUGACAAAAUAACUCAdTdT 1900 1505-1523 UGAGUUAUUUUGUCAAUAUdTdT 2467 AD-62141.1 UAUUGACAAAAUAACUCACdTdT 1901 1506-1524 GUGAGUUAUUUUGUCAAUAdTdT 2468 AD-62147.1 AUUGACAAAAUAACUCACUdTdT 1902 1507-1525 AGUGAGUUAUUUUGUCAAUdTdT 2469 AD-62153.1 UUGACAAAAUAACUCACUAdTdT 1903 1508-1526 UAGUGAGUUAUUUUGUCAAdTdT 2470 AD-62112.1 UGACAAAAUAACUCACUAUdTdT 1904 1509-1527 AUAGUGAGUUAUUUUGUCAdTdT 2471 AD-62118.1 GACAAAAUAACUCACUAUAdTdT 1905 1510-1528 UAUAGUGAGUUAUUUUGUCdTdT 2472 AD-62124.1 AAAAUAACUCACUAUAAUUdTdT 1906 1513-1531 AAUUAUAGUGAGUUAUUUUdTdT 2473 AD-62130.1 AAAUAACUCACUAUAAUUAdTdT 1907 1514-1532 UAAUUAUAGUGAGUUAUUUdTdT 2474 AD-62136.1 AAUAACUCACUAUAAUUACdTdT 1908 1515-1533 GUAAUUAUAGUGAGUUAUUdTdT 2475 AD-62142.1 AUAACUCACUAUAAUUACUdTdT 1909 1516-1534 AGUAAUUAUAGUGAGUUAUdTdT 2476 AD-62148.1 AACUCACUAUAAUUACUUGdTdT 1910 1518-1536 CAAGUAAUUAUAGUGAGUUdTdT 2477 AD-62154.1 ACUCACUAUAAUUACUUGAdTdT 1911 1519-1537 UCAAGUAAUUAUAGUGAGUdTdT 2478 AD-62113.1 CUCACUAUAAUUACUUGAUdTdT 1912 1520-1538 AUCAAGUAAUUAUAGUGAGdTdT 2479 AD-62119.1 UCACUAUAAUUACUUGAUUdTdT 1913 1521-1539 AAUCAAGUAAUUAUAGUGAdTdT 2480 AD-62125.1 ACUAUAAUUACUUGAUUUUdTdT 1914 1523-1541 AAAAUCAAGUAAUUAUAGUdTdT 2481 AD-62131.1 CUAUAAUUACUUGAUUUUAdTdT 1915 1524-1542 UAAAAUCAAGUAAUUAUAGdTdT 2482 AD-62137.1 UAUAAUUACUUGAUUUUAUdTdT 1916 1525-1543 AUAAAAUCAAGUAAUUAUAdTdT 2483 AD-62143.1 AUAAUUACUUGAUUUUAUCdTdT 1917 1526-1544 GAUAAAAUCAAGUAAUUAUdTdT 2484 AD-62149.1 UAAUUACUUGAUUUUAUCCdTdT 1918 1527-1545 GGAUAAAAUCAAGUAAUUAdTdT 2485 AD-62155.1 AAUUACUUGAUUUUAUCCAdTdT 1919 1528-1546 UGGAUAAAAUCAAGUAAUUdTdT 2486 AD-62114.1 AUUACUUGAUUUUAUCCAAdTdT 1920 1529-1547 UUGGAUAAAAUCAAGUAAUdTdT 2487 AD-62120.1 UUAUCCAAGGGCAAAAUUAdTdT 1921 1540-1558 UAAUUUUGCCCUUGGAUAAdTdT 2488 AD-62126.1 GCAAAAUUAUCCACUUUGGdTdT 1922 1550-1568 CCAAAGUGGAUAAUUUUGCdTdT 2489 AD-62132.1 CACUUUGGCACGAGGGAGAdTdT 1923 1561-1579 UCUCCCUCGUGCCAAAGUGdTdT 2490 AD-62138.1 CGAGGGAGAAAUUUUCAGAdTdT 1924 1571-1589 UCUGAAAAUUUCUCCCUCGdTdT 2491 AD-62144.1 AUUUUCAGAUGCAUCUUAUdTdT 1925 1581-1599 AUAAGAUGCAUCUGAAAAUdTdT 2492 AD-62150.1 GCAUCUUAUCAAAGUAUAAdTdT 1926 1591-1609 UUAUACUUUGAUAAGAUGCdTdT 2493 AD-62156.1 CAAAGUAUAAACAUUCCAGdTdT 1927 1600-1618 CUGGAAUGUUUAUACUUUGdTdT 2494 AD-62162.1 AUUCCAGUAACACAGAACAdTdT 1928 1612-1630 UGUUCUGUGUUACUGGAAUdTdT 2495 AD-62168.1 CACAGAACAUGGUUCCUUCdTdT 1929 1622-1640 GAAGGAACCAUGUUCUGUGdTdT 2496 AD-62174.1 GGUUCCUUCAUCCCGACUUdTdT 1930 1632-1650 AAGUCGGGAUGAAGGAACCdTdT 2497 AD-62180.1 CCCGACUUCUGGUCUAUUAdTdT 1931 1643-1661 UAAUAGACCAGAAGUCGGGdTdT 2498 AD-62186.1 GGUCUAUUACAUCGUCACAdTdT 1932 1653-1671 UGUGACGAUGUAAUAGACCdTdT 2499 AD-62192.1 AUCGUCACAGGAGAACAGAdTdT 1933 1663-1681 UCUGUUCUCCUGUGACGAUdTdT 2500 AD-62198.1 CAGGAGAACAGACAGCAGAdTdT 1934 1670-1688 UCUGCUGUCUGUUCUCCUGdTdT 2501 AD-62157.1 CAGCAGAAUUAGUGUCUGAdTdT 1935 1682-1700 UCAGACACUAAUUCUGCUGdTdT 2502 AD-62163.1 GUGUCUGAUUCAGUCUGGUdTdT 1936 1693-1711 ACCAGACUGAAUCAGACACdTdT 2503 AD-62169.1 CAGUCUGGUUAAAUAUUGAdTdT 1937 1703-1721 UCAAUAUUUAACCAGACUGdTdT 2504 AD-62175.1 GUUAAAUAUUGAAGAAAAAdTdT 1938 1710-1728 UUUUUCUUCAAUAUUUAACdTdT 2505 AD-62181.1 AGAAAAAUGUGGCAACCAGdTdT 1939 1722-1740 CUGGUUGCCACAUUUUUCUdTdT 2506 AD-62187.1 GCAACCAGCUCCAGGUUCAdTdT 1940 1733-1751 UGAACCUGGAGCUGGUUGCdTdT 2507 AD-62193.1 GCUCCAGGUUCAUCUGUCUdTdT 1941 1740-1758 AGACAGAUGAACCUGGAGCdTdT 2508 AD-62199.1 AUCUGUCUCCUGAUGCAGAdTdT 1942 1751-1769 UCUGCAUCAGGAGACAGAUdTdT 2509 AD-62158.1 GAUGCAGAUGCAUAUUCUCdTdT 1943 1762-1780 GAGAAUAUGCAUCUGCAUCdTdT 2510 AD-62164.1 GCAUAUUCUCCAGGCCAAAdTdT 1944 1771-1789 UUUGGCCUGGAGAAUAUGCdTdT 2511 AD-62170.1 AGGCCAAACUGUGUCUCUUdTdT 1945 1782-1800 AAGAGACACAGUUUGGCCUdTdT 2512 AD-62176.1 GUGUCUCUUAAUAUGGCAAdTdT 1946 1792-1810 UUGCCAUAUUAAGAGACACdTdT 2513 AD-62182.1 UUAAUAUGGCAACUGGAAUdTdT 1947 1799-1817 AUUCCAGUUGCCAUAUUAAdTdT 2514 AD-62188.1 AACUGGAAUGGAUUCCUGGdTdT 1948 1809-1827 CCAGGAAUCCAUUCCAGUUdTdT 2515 AD-62194.1 UUCCUGGGUGGCAUUAGCAdTdT 1949 1821-1839 UGCUAAUGCCACCCAGGAAdTdT 2516 AD-62200.1 GGCAUUAGCAGCAGUGGACdTdT 1950 1830-1848 GUCCACUGCUGCUAAUGCCdTdT 2517 AD-62159.1 AGUGGACAGUGCUGUGUAUdTdT 1951 1842-1860 AUACACAGCACUGUCCACUdTdT 2518 AD-62165.1 GCUGUGUAUGGAGUCCAAAdTdT 1952 1852-1870 UUUGGACUCCAUACACAGCdTdT 2519 AD-62171.1 AGUCCAAAGAGGAGCCAAAdTdT 1953 1863-1881 UUUGGCUCCUCUUUGGACUdTdT 2520 AD-62177.1 AGAGGAGCCAAAAAGCCCUdTdT 1954 1870-1888 AGGGCUUUUUGGCUCCUCUdTdT 2521 AD-62183.1 AGCCCUUGGAAAGAGUAUUdTdT 1955 1883-1901 AAUACUCUUUCCAAGGGCUdTdT 2522 AD-62189.1 AAGAGUAUUUCAAUUCUUAdTdT 1956 1893-1911 UAAGAAUUGAAAUACUCUUdTdT 2523 AD-62195.1 UUUCAAUUCUUAGAGAAGAdTdT 1957 1900-1918 UCUUCUCUAAGAAUUGAAAdTdT 2524 AD-62201.1 GAGAAGAGUGAUCUGGGCUdTdT 1958 1912-1930 AGCCCAGAUCACUCUUCUCdTdT 2525 AD-62160.1 UGAUCUGGGCUGUGGGGCAdTdT 1959 1920-1938 UGCCCCACAGCCCAGAUCAdTdT 2526 AD-62166.1 GGGGCAGGUGGUGGCCUCAdTdT 1960 1933-1951 UGAGGCCACCACCUGCCCCdTdT 2527 AD-62172.1 GUGGCCUCAACAAUGCCAAdTdT 1961 1943-1961 UUGGCAUUGUUGAGGCCACdTdT 2528 AD-62178.1 CAACAAUGCCAAUGUGUUCdTdT 1962 1950-1968 GAACACAUUGGCAUUGUUGdTdT 2529 AD-62184.1 CAAUGUGUUCCACCUAGCUdTdT 1963 1959-1977 AGCUAGGUGGAACACAUUGdTdT 2530 AD-62190.1 CACCUAGCUGGACUUACCUdTdT 1964 1969-1987 AGGUAAGUCCAGCUAGGUGdTdT 2531 AD-62196.1 GACUUACCUUCCUCACUAAdTdT 1965 1979-1997 UUAGUGAGGAAGGUAAGUCdTdT 2532 AD-62202.1 UCACUAAUGCAAAUGCAGAdTdT 1966 1991-2009 UCUGCAUUUGCAUUAGUGAdTdT 2533 AD-62161.1 AAAUGCAGAUGACUCCCAAdTdT 1967 2001-2019 UUGGGAGUCAUCUGCAUUUdTdT 2534 AD-62167.1 CUCCCAAGAAAAUGAUGAAdTdT 1968 2013-2031 UUCAUCAUUUUCUUGGGAGdTdT 2535 AD-62173.1 CCUUGUAAAGAAAUUCUCAdTdT 1969 2032-2050 UGAGAAUUUCUUUACAAGGdTdT 2536 AD-62179.1 AAUUCUCAGGCCAAGAAGAdTdT 1970 2043-2061 UCUUCUUGGCCUGAGAAUUdTdT 2537 AD-62185.1 CCAAGAAGAACGCUGCAAAdTdT 1971 2053-2071 UUUGCAGCGUUCUUCUUGGdTdT 2538 AD-62191.1 CGCUGCAAAAGAAGAUAGAdTdT 1972 2063-2081 UCUAUCUUCUUUUGCAGCGdTdT 2539 AD-62197.1 AAAGAAGAUAGAAGAAAUAdTdT 1973 2070-2088 UAUUUCUUCUAUCUUCUUUdTdT 2540 AD-62203.1 AGAAAUAGCUGCUAAAUAUdTdT 1974 2082-2100 AUAUUUAGCAGCUAUUUCUdTdT 2541 AD-62209.1 GCUGCUAAAUAUAAACAUUdTdT 1975 2089-2107 AAUGUUUAUAUUUAGCAGCdTdT 2542 AD-62215.1 ACAUUCAGUAGUGAAGAAAdTdT 1976 2103-2121 UUUCUUCACUACUGAAUGUdTdT 2543 AD-62221.1 GUAGUGAAGAAAUGUUGUUdTdT 1977 2110-2128 AACAACAUUUCUUCACUACdTdT 2544 AD-62227.1 AAAUGUUGUUACGAUGGAGdTdT 1978 2119-2137 CUCCAUCGUAACAACAUUUdTdT 2545 AD-62233.1 CGAUGGAGCCUGCGUUAAUdTdT 1979 2130-2148 AUUAACGCAGGCUCCAUCGdTdT 2546 AD-62239.1 CGUUAAUAAUGAUGAAACCdTdT 1980 2142-2160 GGUUUCAUCAUUAUUAACGdTdT 2547 AD-62245.1 AUGAUGAAACCUGUGAGCAdTdT 1981 2150-2168 UGCUCACAGGUUUCAUCAUdTdT 2548 AD-62204.1 CUGUGAGCAGCGAGCUGCAdTdT 1982 2160-2178 UGCAGCUCGCUGCUCACAGdTdT 2549 AD-62210.1 CGAGCUGCACGGAUUAGUUdTdT 1983 2170-2188 AACUAAUCCGUGCAGCUCGdTdT 2550 AD-62216.1 GGAUUAGUUUAGGGCCAAGdTdT 1984 2180-2198 CUUGGCCCUAAACUAAUCCdTdT 2551 AD-62222.1 GGGCCAAGAUGCAUCAAAGdTdT 1985 2191-2209 CUUUGAUGCAUCUUGGCCCdTdT 2552 AD-62228.1 CAUCAAAGCUUUCACUGAAdTdT 1986 2202-2220 UUCAGUGAAAGCUUUGAUGdTdT 2553 AD-62234.1 GCUUUCACUGAAUGUUGUGdTdT 1987 2209-2227 CACAACAUUCAGUGAAAGCdTdT 2554 AD-62240.1 AAUGUUGUGUCGUCGCAAGdTdT 1988 2219-2237 CUUGCGACGACACAACAUUdTdT 2555 AD-62246.1 CGUCGCAAGCCAGCUCCGUdTdT 1989 2229-2247 ACGGAGCUGGCUUGCGACGdTdT 2556 AD-62205.1 GCUCCGUGCUAAUAUCUCUdTdT 1990 2241-2259 AGAGAUAUUAGCACGGAGCdTdT 2557 AD-62211.1 CUAAUAUCUCUCAUAAAGAdTdT 1991 2249-2267 UCUUUAUGAGAGAUAUUAGdTdT 2558 AD-62217.1 AAAGACAUGCAAUUGGGAAdTdT 1992 2263-2281 UUCCCAAUUGCAUGUCUUUdTdT 2559 AD-62223.1 CAAUUGGGAAGGCUACACAdTdT 1993 2272-2290 UGUGUAGCCUUCCCAAUUGdTdT 2560 AD-62229.1 GCUACACAUGAAGACCCUGdTdT 1994 2283-2301 CAGGGUCUUCAUGUGUAGCdTdT 2561 AD-62235.1 CAUGAAGACCCUGUUACCAdTdT 1995 2289-2307 UGGUAACAGGGUCUUCAUGdTdT 2562 AD-62241.1 UACCAGUAAGCAAGCCAGAdTdT 1996 2303-2321 UCUGGCUUGCUUACUGGUAdTdT 2563 AD-62247.1 AGCAAGCCAGAAAUUCGGAdTdT 1997 2311-2329 UCCGAAUUUCUGGCUUGCUdTdT 2564 AD-62206.1 AGAAAUUCGGAGUUAUUUUdTdT 1998 2319-2337 AAAAUAACUCCGAAUUUCUdTdT 2565 AD-62212.1 AGUUAUUUUCCAGAAAGCUdTdT 1999 2329-2347 AGCUUUCUGGAAAAUAACUdTdT 2566 AD-62218.1 CAGAAAGCUGGUUGUGGGAdTdT 2000 2339-2357 UCCCACAACCAGCUUUCUGdTdT 2567 AD-62224.1 GUGGGAAGUUCAUCUUGUUdTdT 2001 2352-2370 AACAAGAUGAACUUCCCACdTdT 2568 AD-62230.1 UCAUCUUGUUCCCAGAAGAdTdT 2002 2361-2379 UCUUCUGGGAACAAGAUGAdTdT 2569 AD-62236.1 CCAGAAGAAAACAGUUGCAdTdT 2003 2372-2390 UGCAACUGUUUUCUUCUGGdTdT 2570 AD-62242.1 CAGUUGCAGUUUGCCCUACdTdT 2004 2383-2401 GUAGGGCAAACUGCAACUGdTdT 2571 AD-62248.1 CAGUUUGCCCUACCUGAUUdTdT 2005 2389-2407 AAUCAGGUAGGGCAAACUGdTdT 2572 AD-62207.1 CCUGAUUCUCUAACCACCUdTdT 2006 2401-2419 AGGUGGUUAGAGAAUCAGGdTdT 2573 AD-62213.1 ACCACCUGGGAAAUUCAAGdTdT 2007 2413-2431 CUUGAAUUUCCCAGGUGGUdTdT 2574 AD-62219.1 GAAAUUCAAGGCGUUGGCAdTdT 2008 2422-2440 UGCCAACGCCUUGAAUUUCdTdT 2575 AD-62225.1 CGUUGGCAUUUCAAACACUdTdT 2009 2433-2451 AGUGUUUGAAAUGCCAACGdTdT 2576 AD-62231.1 CAUUUCAAACACUGGUAUAdTdT 2010 2439-2457 UAUACCAGUGUUUGAAAUGdTdT 2577 AD-62237.1 GUAUAUGUGUUGCUGAUACdTdT 2011 2453-2471 GUAUCAGCAACACAUAUACdTdT 2578 AD-62243.1 UGCUGAUACUGUCAAGGCAdTdT 2012 2463-2481 UGCCUUGACAGUAUCAGCAdTdT 2579 AD-62249.1 CUGUCAAGGCAAAGGUGUUdTdT 2013 2471-2489 AACACCUUUGCCUUGACAGdTdT 2580 AD-62208.1 AGGUGUUCAAAGAUGUCUUdTdT 2014 2483-2501 AAGACAUCUUUGAACACCUdTdT 2581 AD-62214.1 CAAAGAUGUCUUCCUGGAAdTdT 2015 2490-2508 UUCCAGGAAGACAUCUUUGdTdT 2582 AD-62220.1 CUUCCUGGAAAUGAAUAUAdTdT 2016 2499-2517 UAUAUUCAUUUCCAGGAAGdTdT 2583 AD-62226.1 GAAUAUACCAUAUUCUGUUdTdT 2017 2511-2529 AACAGAAUAUGGUAUAUUCdTdT 2584 AD-62232.1 AUAUUCUGUUGUACGAGGAdTdT 2018 2520-2538 UCCUCGUACAACAGAAUAUdTdT 2585 AD-62238.1 CGAGGAGAACAGAUCCAAUdTdT 2019 2533-2551 AUUGGAUCUGUUCUCCUCGdTdT 2586 AD-62244.1 GAACAGAUCCAAUUGAAAGdTdT 2020 2539-2557 CUUUCAAUUGGAUCUGUUCdTdT 2587 AD-61874.1 GAAAGGAACUGUUUACAACdTdT 2021 2553-2571 GUUGUAAACAGUUCCUUUCdTdT 2588 AD-61880.1 ACUGUUUACAACUAUAGGAdTdT 2022 2560-2578 UCCUAUAGUUGUAAACAGUdTdT 2589 AD-61886.1 AACUAUAGGACUUCUGGGAdTdT 2023 2569-2587 UCCCAGAAGUCCUAUAGUUdTdT 2590 AD-61892.1 UGGGAUGCAGUUCUGUGUUdTdT 2024 2583-2601 AACACAGAACUGCAUCCCAdTdT 2591 AD-61898.1 GUUCUGUGUUAAAAUGUCUdTdT 2025 2592-2610 AGACAUUUUAACACAGAACdTdT 2592 AD-61904.1 UUAAAAUGUCUGCUGUGGAdTdT 2026 2600-2618 UCCACAGCAGACAUUUUAAdTdT 2593 AD-61910.1 CUGUGGAGGGAAUCUGCACdTdT 2027 2612-2630 GUGCAGAUUCCCUCCACAGdTdT 2594 AD-61916.1 GGAAUCUGCACUUCGGAAAdTdT 2028 2620-2638 UUUCCGAAGUGCAGAUUCCdTdT 2595 AD-61875.1 CGGAAAGCCCAGUCAUUGAdTdT 2029 2633-2651 UCAAUGACUGGGCUUUCCGdTdT 2596 AD-61881.1 CCAGUCAUUGAUCAUCAGGdTdT 2030 2641-2659 CCUGAUGAUCAAUGACUGGdTdT 2597 AD-61887.1 CAUCAGGGCACAAAGUCCUdTdT 2031 2653-2671 AGGACUUUGUGCCCUGAUGdTdT 2598 AD-61893.1 GGCACAAAGUCCUCCAAAUdTdT 2032 2659-2677 AUUUGGAGGACUUUGUGCCdTdT 2599 AD-61899.1 CAAAUGUGUGCGCCAGAAAdTdT 2033 2673-2691 UUUCUGGCGCACACAUUUGdTdT 2600 AD-61905.1 GCGCCAGAAAGUAGAGGGCdTdT 2034 2682-2700 GCCCUCUACUUUCUGGCGCdTdT 2601 AD-61911.1 AGUAGAGGGCUCCUCCAGUdTdT 2035 2691-2709 ACUGGAGGAGCCCUCUACUdTdT 2602 AD-61917.1 CCUCCAGUCACUUGGUGACdTdT 2036 2702-2720 GUCACCAAGUGACUGGAGGdTdT 2603 AD-61876.1 UCACUUGGUGACAUUCACUdTdT 2037 2709-2727 AGUGAAUGUCACCAAGUGAdTdT 2604 AD-61882.1 CAUUCACUGUGCUUCCUCUdTdT 2038 2720-2738 AGAGGAAGCACAGUGAAUGdTdT 2605 AD-61888.1 GGAAAUUGGCCUUCACAACdTdT 2039 2739-2757 GUUGUGAAGGCCAAUUUCCdTdT 2606 AD-61894.1 CUUCACAACAUCAAUUUUUdTdT 2040 2749-2767 AAAAAUUGAUGUUGUGAAGdTdT 2607 AD-61900.1 AAUUUUUCACUGGAGACUUdTdT 2041 2761-2779 AAGUCUCCAGUGAAAAAUUdTdT 2608 AD-61906.1 CUGGAGACUUGGUUUGGAAdTdT 2042 2770-2788 UUCCAAACCAAGUCUCCAGdTdT 2609 AD-61912.1 GGUUUGGAAAAGAAAUCUUdTdT 2043 2780-2798 AAGAUUUCUUUUCCAAACCdTdT 2610 AD-61918.1 AAUCUUAGUAAAAACAUUAdTdT 2044 2793-2811 UAAUGUUUUUACUAAGAUUdTdT 2611 AD-61877.1 AAAAACAUUACGAGUGGUGdTdT 2045 2802-2820 CACCACUCGUAAUGUUUUUdTdT 2612 AD-61883.1 GAGUGGUGCCAGAAGGUGUdTdT 2046 2813-2831 ACACCUUCUGGCACCACUCdTdT 2613 AD-61889.1 AGAAGGUGUCAAAAGGGAAdTdT 2047 2823-2841 UUCCCUUUUGACACCUUCUdTdT 2614 AD-61895.1 UGUCAAAAGGGAAAGCUAUdTdT 2048 2829-2847 AUAGCUUUCCCUUUUGACAdTdT 2615 AD-61901.1 GCUAUUCUGGUGUUACUUUdTdT 2049 2843-2861 AAAGUAACACCAGAAUAGCdTdT 2616 AD-61907.1 GUGUUACUUUGGAUCCUAGdTdT 2050 2852-2870 CUAGGAUCCAAAGUAACACdTdT 2617 AD-61913.1 GGAUCCUAGGGGUAUUUAUdTdT 2051 2862-2880 AUAAAUACCCCUAGGAUCCdTdT 2618 AD-61919.1 GGUAUUUAUGGUACCAUUAdTdT 2052 2872-2890 UAAUGGUACCAUAAAUACCdTdT 2619 AD-61878.1 GUACCAUUAGCAGACGAAAdTdT 2053 2882-2900 UUUCGUCUGCUAAUGGUACdTdT 2620 AD-61884.1 CAGACGAAAGGAGUUCCCAdTdT 2054 2892-2910 UGGGAACUCCUUUCGUCUGdTdT 2621 AD-61890.1 AGGAGUUCCCAUACAGGAUdTdT 2055 2900-2918 AUCCUGUAUGGGAACUCCUdTdT 2622 AD-61896.1 CAUACAGGAUACCCUUAGAdTdT 2056 2909-2927 UCUAAGGGUAUCCUGUAUGdTdT 2623 AD-61902.1 CUUAGAUUUGGUCCCCAAAdTdT 2057 2922-2940 UUUGGGGACCAAAUCUAAGdTdT 2624 AD-61908.1 UCCCCAAAACAGAAAUCAAdTdT 2058 2933-2951 UUGAUUUCUGUUUUGGGGAdTdT 2625 AD-61914.1 ACAGAAAUCAAAAGGAUUUdTdT 2059 2941-2959 AAAUCCUUUUGAUUUCUGUdTdT 2626 AD-61920.1 AAAGGAUUUUGAGUGUAAAdTdT 2060 2951-2969 UUUACACUCAAAAUCCUUUdTdT 2627 AD-61879.1 AGUGUAAAAGGACUGCUUGdTdT 2061 2962-2980 CAAGCAGUCCUUUUACACUdTdT 2628 AD-61885.1 AAGGACUGCUUGUAGGUGAdTdT 2062 2969-2987 UCACCUACAAGCAGUCCUUdTdT 2629 AD-61891.1 GUAGGUGAGAUCUUGUCUGdTdT 2063 2980-2998 CAGACAAGAUCUCACCUACdTdT 2630 AD-61897.1 AUCUUGUCUGCAGUUCUAAdTdT 2064 2989-3007 UUAGAACUGCAGACAAGAUdTdT 2631 AD-61903.1 GUUCUAAGUCAGGAAGGCAdTdT 2065 3001-3019 UGCCUUCCUGACUUAGAACdTdT 2632 AD-61909.1 GAAGGCAUCAAUAUCCUAAdTdT 2066 3013-3031 UUAGGAUAUUGAUGCCUUCdTdT 2633 AD-61915.1 UCAAUAUCCUAACCCACCUdTdT 2067 3020-3038 AGGUGGGUUAGGAUAUUGAdTdT 2634 AD-61921.1 CCACCUCCCCAAAGGGAGUdTdT 2068 3033-3051 ACUCCCUUUGGGGAGGUGGdTdT 2635 AD-61927.1 CCCCAAAGGGAGUGCAGAGdTdT 2069 3039-3057 CUCUGCACUCCCUUUGGGGdTdT 2636 AD-61933.1 GUGCAGAGGCGGAGCUGAUdTdT 2070 3050-3068 AUCAGCUCCGCCUCUGCACdTdT 2637 AD-61939.1 GGAGCUGAUGAGCGUUGUCdTdT 2071 3060-3078 GACAACGCUCAUCAGCUCCdTdT 2638 AD-61945.1 CGUUGUCCCAGUAUUCUAUdTdT 2072 3072-3090 AUAGAAUACUGGGACAACGdTdT 2639 AD-61951.1 CCAGUAUUCUAUGUUUUUCdTdT 2073 3079-3097 GAAAAACAUAGAAUACUGGdTdT 2640 AD-61957.1 GUUUUUCACUACCUGGAAAdTdT 2074 3091-3109 UUUCCAGGUAGUGAAAAACdTdT 2641 AD-61963.1 CCUGGAAACAGGAAAUCAUdTdT 2075 3102-3120 AUGAUUUCCUGUUUCCAGGdTdT 2642 AD-61922.1 GGAACAUUUUUCAUUCUGAdTdT 2076 3122-3140 UCAGAAUGAAAAAUGUUCCdTdT 2643 AD-61928.1 CAUUCUGACCCAUUAAUUGdTdT 2077 3133-3151 CAAUUAAUGGGUCAGAAUGdTdT 2644 AD-61934.1 CCAUUAAUUGAAAAGCAGAdTdT 2078 3142-3160 UCUGCUUUUCAAUUAAUGGdTdT 2645 AD-61940.1 AAAGCAGAAACUGAAGAAAdTdT 2079 3153-3171 UUUCUUCAGUUUCUGCUUUdTdT 2646 AD-61946.1 AACUGAAGAAAAAAUUAAAdTdT 2080 3161-3179 UUUAAUUUUUUCUUCAGUUdTdT 2647 AD-61952.1 AAAAAAUUAAAAGAAGGGAdTdT 2081 3169-3187 UCCCUUCUUUUAAUUUUUUdTdT 2648 AD-61958.1 AGGGAUGUUGAGCAUUAUGdTdT 2082 3183-3201 CAUAAUGCUCAACAUCCCUdTdT 2649 AD-61964.1 GAGCAUUAUGUCCUACAGAdTdT 2083 3192-3210 UCUGUAGGACAUAAUGCUCdTdT 2650 AD-61923.1 UGUCCUACAGAAAUGCUGAdTdT 2084 3200-3218 UCAGCAUUUCUGUAGGACAdTdT 2651 AD-61929.1 AAUGCUGACUACUCUUACAdTdT 2085 3211-3229 UGUAAGAGUAGUCAGCAUUdTdT 2652 AD-61935.1 UACUCUUACAGUGUGUGGAdTdT 2086 3220-3238 UCCACACACUGUAAGAGUAdTdT 2653 AD-61941.1 AGUGUGUGGAAGGGUGGAAdTdT 2087 3229-3247 UUCCACCCUUCCACACACUdTdT 2654 AD-61947.1 GGGUGGAAGUGCUAGCACUdTdT 2088 3240-3258 AGUGCUAGCACUUCCACCCdTdT 2655 AD-61953.1 GCUAGCACUUGGUUAACAGdTdT 2089 3250-3268 CUGUUAACCAAGUGCUAGCdTdT 2656 AD-61959.1 GGUUAACAGCUUUUGCUUUdTdT 2090 3260-3278 AAAGCAAAAGCUGUUAACCdTdT 2657 AD-61965.1 UGCUUUAAGAGUACUUGGAdTdT 2091 3273-3291 UCCAAGUACUCUUAAAGCAdTdT 2658 AD-61924.1 GUACUUGGACAAGUAAAUAdTdT 2092 3283-3301 UAUUUACUUGUCCAAGUACdTdT 2659 AD-61930.1 CAAGUAAAUAAAUACGUAGdTdT 2093 3292-3310 CUACGUAUUUAUUUACUUGdTdT 2660 AD-61936.1 AUAAAUACGUAGAGCAGAAdTdT 2094 3299-3317 UUCUGCUCUACGUAUUUAUdTdT 2661 AD-61942.1 GAGCAGAACCAAAAUUCAAdTdT 2095 3310-3328 UUGAAUUUUGGUUCUGCUCdTdT 2662 AD-61948.1 AAUUCAAUUUGUAAUUCUUdTdT 2096 3322-3340 AAGAAUUACAAAUUGAAUUdTdT 2663 AD-61954.1 GUAAUUCUUUAUUGUGGCUdTdT 2097 3332-3350 AGCCACAAUAAAGAAUUACdTdT 2664 AD-61960.1 AUUGUGGCUAGUUGAGAAUdTdT 2098 3342-3360 AUUCUCAACUAGCCACAAUdTdT 2665 AD-61966.1 CUAGUUGAGAAUUAUCAAUdTdT 2099 3349-3367 AUUGAUAAUUCUCAACUAGdTdT 2666 AD-61925.1 UUAUCAAUUAGAUAAUGGAdTdT 2100 3360-3378 UCCAUUAUCUAAUUGAUAAdTdT 2667 AD-61931.1 AAUGGAUCUUUCAAGGAAAdTdT 2101 3373-3391 UUUCCUUGAAAGAUCCAUUdTdT 2668 AD-61937.1 CUUUCAAGGAAAAUUCACAdTdT 2102 3380-3398 UGUGAAUUUUCCUUGAAAGdTdT 2669 AD-61943.1 AAUUCACAGUAUCAACCAAdTdT 2103 3391-3409 UUGGUUGAUACUGUGAAUUdTdT 2670 AD-61949.1 GUAUCAACCAAUAAAAUUAdTdT 2104 3399-3417 UAAUUUUAUUGGUUGAUACdTdT 2671 AD-61955.1 AAAAUUACAGGGUACCUUGdTdT 2105 3411-3429 CAAGGUACCCUGUAAUUUUdTdT 2672 AD-61961.1 AGGGUACCUUGCCUGUUGAdTdT 2106 3419-3437 UCAACAGGCAAGGUACCCUdTdT 2673 AD-61967.1 GUUGAAGCCCGAGAGAACAdTdT 2107 3433-3451 UGUUCUCUCGGGCUUCAACdTdT 2674 AD-61926.1 CCGAGAGAACAGCUUAUAUdTdT 2108 3441-3459 AUAUAAGCUGUUCUCUCGGdTdT 2675 AD-61932.1 GCUUAUAUCUUACAGCCUUdTdT 2109 3452-3470 AAGGCUGUAAGAUAUAAGCdTdT 2676 AD-61938.1 CUUACAGCCUUUACUGUGAdTdT 2110 3460-3478 UCACAGUAAAGGCUGUAAGdTdT 2677 AD-61944.1 GAAUUAGAAAGGCUUUCGAdTdT 2111 3482-3500 UCGAAAGCCUUUCUAAUUCdTdT 2678 AD-61950.1 GGCUUUCGAUAUAUGCCCCdTdT 2112 3492-3510 GGGGCAUAUAUCGAAAGCCdTdT 2679 AD-61956.1 GAUAUAUGCCCCCUGGUGAdTdT 2113 3499-3517 UCACCAGGGGGCAUAUAUCdTdT 2680 AD-61962.1 GGUGAAAAUCGACACAGCUdTdT 2114 3513-3531 AGCUGUGUCGAUUUUCACCdTdT 2681 AD-61968.1 CGACACAGCUCUAAUUAAAdTdT 2115 3522-3540 UUUAAUUAGAGCUGUGUCGdTdT 2682 AD-61974.1 GCUCUAAUUAAAGCUGACAdTdT 2116 3529-3547 UGUCAGCUUUAAUUAGAGCdTdT 2683 AD-61980.1 CUGACAACUUUCUGCUUGAdTdT 2117 3542-3560 UCAAGCAGAAAGUUGUCAGdTdT 2684 AD-61986.1 CUUUCUGCUUGAAAAUACAdTdT 2118 3549-3567 UGUAUUUUCAAGCAGAAAGdTdT 2685 AD-61992.1 AAAAUACACUGCCAGCCCAdTdT 2119 3560-3578 UGGGCUGGCAGUGUAUUUUdTdT 2686 AD-61998.1 AGCCCAGAGCACCUUUACAdTdT 2120 3573-3591 UGUAAAGGUGCUCUGGGCUdTdT 2687 AD-62004.1 GCACCUUUACAUUGGCCAUdTdT 2121 3581-3599 AUGGCCAAUGUAAAGGUGCdTdT 2688 AD-62010.1 ACAUUGGCCAUUUCUGCGUdTdT 2122 3589-3607 ACGCAGAAAUGGCCAAUGUdTdT 2689 AD-61969.1 CUGCGUAUGCUCUUUCCCUdTdT 2123 3602-3620 AGGGAAAGAGCAUACGCAGdTdT 2690 AD-61975.1 CUUUCCCUGGGAGAUAAAAdTdT 2124 3613-3631 UUUUAUCUCCCAGGGAAAGdTdT 2691 AD-61981.1 GAGAUAAAACUCACCCACAdTdT 2125 3623-3641 UGUGGGUGAGUUUUAUCUCdTdT 2692 AD-61987.1 ACUCACCCACAGUUUCGUUdTdT 2126 3631-3649 AACGAAACUGUGGGUGAGUdTdT 2693 AD-61993.1 CAGUUUCGUUCAAUUGUUUdTdT 2127 3640-3658 AAACAAUUGAACGAAACUGdTdT 2694 AD-61999.1 CAAUUGUUUCAGCUUUGAAdTdT 2128 3650-3668 UUCAAAGCUGAAACAAUUGdTdT 2695 AD-62005.1 CUUUGAAGAGAGAAGCUUUdTdT 2129 3662-3680 AAAGCUUCUCUCUUCAAAGdTdT 2696 AD-62011.1 GAGAGAAGCUUUGGUUAAAdTdT 2130 3669-3687 UUUAACCAAAGCUUCUCUCdTdT 2697 AD-61970.1 GUUAAAGGUAAUCCACCCAdTdT 2131 3682-3700 UGGGUGGAUUACCUUUAACdTdT 2698 AD-61976.1 AAUCCACCCAUUUAUCGUUdTdT 2132 3691-3709 AACGAUAAAUGGGUGGAUUdTdT 2699 AD-61982.1 CAUUUAUCGUUUUUGGAAAdTdT 2133 3699-3717 UUUCCAAAAACGAUAAAUGdTdT 2700 AD-61988.1 UUUGGAAAGACAAUCUUCAdTdT 2134 3710-3728 UGAAGAUUGUCUUUCCAAAdTdT 2701 AD-61994.1 AAUCUUCAGCAUAAAGACAdTdT 2135 3721-3739 UGUCUUUAUGCUGAAGAUUdTdT 2702 AD-62006.1 CUCUGUACCUAACACUGGUdTdT 2136 3741-3759 ACCAGUGUUAGGUACAGAGdTdT 2703 AD-62012.1 ACACUGGUACGGCACGUAUdTdT 2137 3752-3770 AUACGUGCCGUACCAGUGUdTdT 2704 AD-61971.1 GGCACGUAUGGUAGAAACAdTdT 2138 3762-3780 UGUUUCUACCAUACGUGCCdTdT 2705 AD-61977.1 GGUAGAAACAACUGCCUAUdTdT 2139 3771-3789 AUAGGCAGUUGUUUCUACCdTdT 2706 AD-61983.1 CAACUGCCUAUGCUUUACUdTdT 2140 3779-3797 AGUAAAGCAUAGGCAGUUGdTdT 2707 AD-61989.1 CUUUACUCACCAGUCUGAAdTdT 2141 3791-3809 UUCAGACUGGUGAGUAAAGdTdT 2708 AD-61995.1 GUCUGAACUUGAAAGAUAUdTdT 2142 3803-3821 AUAUCUUUCAAGUUCAGACdTdT 2709 AD-62001.1 ACUUGAAAGAUAUAAAUUAdTdT 2143 3809-3827 UAAUUUAUAUCUUUCAAGUdTdT 2710 AD-62007.1 UAUAAAUUAUGUUAACCCAdTdT 2144 3819-3837 UGGGUUAACAUAAUUUAUAdTdT 2711 AD-62013.1 GUUAACCCAGUCAUCAAAUdTdT 2145 3829-3847 AUUUGAUGACUGGGUUAACdTdT 2712 AD-61972.1 UCAUCAAAUGGCUAUCAGAdTdT 2146 3839-3857 UCUGAUAGCCAUUUGAUGAdTdT 2713 AD-61978.1 UAUCAGAAGAGCAGAGGUAdTdT 2147 3851-3869 UACCUCUGCUCUUCUGAUAdTdT 2714 AD-61984.1 AGAGGUAUGGAGGUGGCUUdTdT 2148 3863-3881 AAGCCACCUCCAUACCUCUdTdT 2715 AD-61990.1 GAGGUGGCUUUUAUUCAACdTdT 2149 3872-3890 GUUGAAUAAAAGCCACCUCdTdT 2716 AD-61996.1 UAUUCAACCCAGGACACAAdTdT 2150 3883-3901 UUGUGUCCUGGGUUGAAUAdTdT 2717 AD-62002.1 AGGACACAAUCAAUGCCAUdTdT 2151 3893-3911 AUGGCAUUGAUUGUGUCCUdTdT 2718 AD-62008.1 CAAUCAAUGCCAUUGAGGGdTdT 2152 3899-3917 CCCUCAAUGGCAUUGAUUGdTdT 2719 AD-62014.1 CAUUGAGGGCCUGACGGAAdTdT 2153 3909-3927 UUCCGUCAGGCCCUCAAUGdTdT 2720 AD-61973.1 ACGGAAUAUUCACUCCUGGdTdT 2154 3922-3940 CCAGGAGUGAAUAUUCCGUdTdT 2721 AD-61979.1 UUCACUCCUGGUUAAACAAdTdT 2155 3930-3948 UUGUUUAACCAGGAGUGAAdTdT 2722 AD-61985.1 GGUUAAACAACUCCGCUUGdTdT 2156 3939-3957 CAAGCGGAGUUGUUUAACCdTdT 2723 AD-61991.1 CCGCUUGAGUAUGGACAUCdTdT 2157 3951-3969 GAUGUCCAUACUCAAGCGGdTdT 2724 AD-61997.1 GGACAUCGAUGUUUCUUACdTdT 2158 3963-3981 GUAAGAAACAUCGAUGUCCdTdT 2725 AD-62003.1 CGAUGUUUCUUACAAGCAUdTdT 2159 3969-3987 AUGCUUGUAAGAAACAUCGdTdT 2726 AD-62009.1 CAAGCAUAAAGGUGCCUUAdTdT 2160 3981-3999 UAAGGCACCUUUAUGCUUGdTdT 2727 AD-62056.1 GUGCCUUACAUAAUUAUAAdTdT 2161 3992-4010 UUAUAAUUAUGUAAGGCACdTdT 2728 AD-62015.1 ACAUAAUUAUAAAAUGACAdTdT 2162 3999-4017 UGUCAUUUUAUAAUUAUGUdTdT 2729 AD-62021.1 AAAAUGACAGACAAGAAUUdTdT 2163 4009-4027 AAUUCUUGUCUGUCAUUUUdTdT 2730 AD-62027.1 CAAGAAUUUCCUUGGGAGGdTdT 2164 4020-4038 CCUCCCAAGGAAAUUCUUGdTdT 2731 AD-62033.1 CCUUGGGAGGCCAGUAGAGdTdT 2165 4029-4047 CUCUACUGGCCUCCCAAGGdTdT 2732 AD-62039.1 AGUAGAGGUGCUUCUCAAUdTdT 2166 4041-4059 AUUGAGAAGCACCUCUACUdTdT 2733 AD-62045.1 CUUCUCAAUGAUGACCUCAdTdT 2167 4051-4069 UGAGGUCAUCAUUGAGAAGdTdT 2734 AD-62051.1 UGACCUCAUUGUCAGUACAdTdT 2168 4062-4080 UGUACUGACAAUGAGGUCAdTdT 2735 AD-62057.1 GUCAGUACAGGAUUUGGCAdTdT 2169 4072-4090 UGCCAAAUCCUGUACUGACdTdT 2736 AD-62016.1 AGGAUUUGGCAGUGGCUUGdTdT 2170 4080-4098 CAAGCCACUGCCAAAUCCUdTdT 2737 AD-62022.1 UGGCUUGGCUACAGUACAUdTdT 2171 4092-4110 AUGUACUGUAGCCAAGCCAdTdT 2738 AD-62028.1 GCUACAGUACAUGUAACAAdTdT 2172 4099-4117 UUGUUACAUGUACUGUAGCdTdT 2739 AD-62034.1 AACAACUGUAGUUCACAAAdTdT 2173 4113-4131 UUUGUGAACUACAGUUGUUdTdT 2740 AD-62040.1 GUAGUUCACAAAACCAGUAdTdT 2174 4120-4138 UACUGGUUUUGUGAACUACdTdT 2741 AD-62046.1 AAACCAGUACCUCUGAGGAdTdT 2175 4130-4148 UCCUCAGAGGUACUGGUUUdTdT 2742 AD-62052.1 UGAGGAAGUUUGCAGCUUUdTdT 2176 4143-4161 AAAGCUGCAAACUUCCUCAdTdT 2743 AD-62058.1 UGCAGCUUUUAUUUGAAAAdTdT 2177 4153-4171 UUUUCAAAUAAAAGCUGCAdTdT 2744 AD-62017.1 AUUUGAAAAUCGAUACUCAdTdT 2178 4163-4181 UGAGUAUCGAUUUUCAAAUdTdT 2745 AD-62023.1 CGAUACUCAGGAUAUUGAAdTdT 2179 4173-4191 UUCAAUAUCCUGAGUAUCGdTdT 2746 AD-62029.1 GGAUAUUGAAGCAUCCCACdTdT 2180 4182-4200 GUGGGAUGCUUCAAUAUCCdTdT 2747 AD-62035.1 GAAGCAUCCCACUACAGAGdTdT 2181 4189-4207 CUCUGUAGUGGGAUGCUUCdTdT 2748 AD-62041.1 ACUACAGAGGCUACGGAAAdTdT 2182 4199-4217 UUUCCGUAGCCUCUGUAGUdTdT 2749 AD-62047.1 CGGAAACUCUGAUUACAAAdTdT 2183 4212-4230 UUUGUAAUCAGAGUUUCCGdTdT 2750 AD-62053.1 UGAUUACAAACGCAUAGUAdTdT 2184 4221-4239 UACUAUGCGUUUGUAAUCAdTdT 2751 AD-62059.1 GCAUAGUAGCAUGUGCCAGdTdT 2185 4232-4250 CUGGCACAUGCUACUAUGCdTdT 2752 AD-62018.1 GCAUGUGCCAGCUACAAGCdTdT 2186 4240-4258 GCUUGUAGCUGGCACAUGCdTdT 2753 AD-62024.1 CUACAAGCCCAGCAGGGAAdTdT 2187 4251-4269 UUCCCUGCUGGGCUUGUAGdTdT 2754 AD-62030.1 CAGCAGGGAAGAAUCAUCAdTdT 2188 4260-4278 UGAUGAUUCUUCCCUGCUGdTdT 2755 AD-62036.1 GAAUCAUCAUCUGGAUCCUdTdT 2189 4270-4288 AGGAUCCAGAUGAUGAUUCdTdT 2756 AD-62042.1 GAUCCUCUCAUGCGGUGAUdTdT 2190 4283-4301 AUCACCGCAUGAGAGGAUCdTdT 2757 AD-62048.1 CUCAUGCGGUGAUGGACAUdTdT 2191 4289-4307 AUGUCCAUCACCGCAUGAGdTdT 2758 AD-62054.1 GAUGGACAUCUCCUUGCCUdTdT 2192 4299-4317 AGGCAAGGAGAUGUCCAUCdTdT 2759 AD-62060.1 CUUGCCUACUGGAAUCAGUdTdT 2193 4311-4329 ACUGAUUCCAGUAGGCAAGdTdT 2760 AD-62019.1 GAAUCAGUGCAAAUGAAGAdTdT 2194 4322-4340 UCUUCAUUUGCACUGAUUCdTdT 2761 AD-62025.1 AAAUGAAGAAGACUUAAAAdTdT 2195 4332-4350 UUUUAAGUCUUCUUCAUUUdTdT 2762 AD-62031.1 GAAGACUUAAAAGCCCUUGdTdT 2196 4339-4357 CAAGGGCUUUUAAGUCUUCdTdT 2763 AD-62037.1 CCUUGUGGAAGGGGUGGAUdTdT 2197 4353-4371 AUCCACCCCUUCCACAAGGdTdT 2764 AD-62043.1 GAAGGGGUGGAUCAACUAUdTdT 2198 4360-4378 AUAGUUGAUCCACCCCUUCdTdT 2765 AD-62049.1 AUCAACUAUUCACUGAUUAdTdT 2199 4370-4388 UAAUCAGUGAAUAGUUGAUdTdT 2766 AD-62055.1 CACUGAUUACCAAAUCAAAdTdT 2200 4380-4398 UUUGAUUUGGUAAUCAGUGdTdT 2767 AD-62061.1 AUCAAAGAUGGACAUGUUAdTdT 2201 4393-4411 UAACAUGUCCAUCUUUGAUdTdT 2768 AD-62020.1 GGACAUGUUAUUCUGCAACdTdT 2202 4402-4420 GUUGCAGAAUAACAUGUCCdTdT 2769 AD-62026.1 UCUGCAACUGAAUUCGAUUdTdT 2203 4413-4431 AAUCGAAUUCAGUUGCAGAdTdT 2770 AD-62032.1 GAAUUCGAUUCCCUCCAGUdTdT 2204 4422-4440 ACUGGAGGGAAUCGAAUUCdTdT 2771 AD-62038.1 CCCUCCAGUGAUUUCCUUUdTdT 2205 4432-4450 AAAGGAAAUCACUGGAGGGdTdT 2772 AD-62044.1 GAUUUCCUUUGUGUACGAUdTdT 2206 4441-4459 AUCGUACACAAAGGAAAUCdTdT 2773 AD-62050.1 GUACGAUUCCGGAUAUUUGdTdT 2207 4453-4471 CAAAUAUCCGGAAUCGUACdTdT 2774 AD-62320.1 CGGAUAUUUGAACUCUUUGdTdT 2208 4462-4480 CAAAGAGUUCAAAUAUCCGdTdT 2775 AD-62326.1 ACUCUUUGAAGUUGGGUUUdTdT 2209 4473-4491 AAACCCAACUUCAAAGAGUdTdT 2776 AD-62332.1 AGUUGGGUUUCUCAGUCCUdTdT 2210 4482-4500 AGGACUGAGAAACCCAACUdTdT 2777 AD-62338.1 UUCUCAGUCCUGCCACUUUdTdT 2211 4490-4508 AAAGUGGCAGGACUGAGAAdTdT 2778 AD-62344.1 CACUUUCACAGUGUACGAAdTdT 2212 4503-4521 UUCGUACACUGUGAAAGUGdTdT 2779 AD-62350.1 CACAGUGUACGAAUACCACdTdT 2213 4509-4527 GUGGUAUUCGUACACUGUGdTdT 2780 AD-62356.1 ACCACAGACCAGAUAAACAdTdT 2214 4523-4541 UGUUUAUCUGGUCUGUGGUdTdT 2781 AD-62362.1 CCAGAUAAACAGUGUACCAdTdT 2215 4531-4549 UGGUACACUGUUUAUCUGGdTdT 2782 AD-62321.1 CAGUGUACCAUGUUUUAUAdTdT 2216 4540-4558 UAUAAAACAUGGUACACUGdTdT 2783 AD-62327.1 GUUUUAUAGCACUUCCAAUdTdT 2217 4551-4569 AUUGGAAGUGCUAUAAAACdTdT 2784 AD-62333.1 CUUCCAAUAUCAAAAUUCAdTdT 2218 4562-4580 UGAAUUUUGAUAUUGGAAGdTdT 2785 AD-62339.1 AUCAAAAUUCAGAAAGUCUdTdT 2219 4570-4588 AGACUUUCUGAAUUUUGAUdTdT 2786 AD-62345.1 GAAAGUCUGUGAAGGAGCCdTdT 2220 4581-4599 GGCUCCUUCACAGACUUUCdTdT 2787 AD-62351.1 GAAGGAGCCGCGUGCAAGUdTdT 2221 4591-4609 ACUUGCACGCGGCUCCUUCdTdT 2788 AD-62357.1 CGUGCAAGUGUGUAGAAGCdTdT 2222 4601-4619 GCUUCUACACACUUGCACGdTdT 2789 AD-62363.1 GUAGAAGCUGAUUGUGGGCdTdT 2223 4612-4630 GCCCACAAUCAGCUUCUACdTdT 2790 AD-62322.1 CUGAUUGUGGGCAAAUGCAdTdT 2224 4619-4637 UGCAUUUGCCCACAAUCAGdTdT 2791 AD-62328.1 GCAAAUGCAGGAAGAAUUGdTdT 2225 4629-4647 CAAUUCUUCCUGCAUUUGCdTdT 2792 AD-62334.1 GAAGAAUUGGAUCUGACAAdTdT 2226 4639-4657 UUGUCAGAUCCAAUUCUUCdTdT 2793 AD-62340.1 CUGACAAUCUCUGCAGAGAdTdT 2227 4651-4669 UCUCUGCAGAGAUUGUCAGdTdT 2794 AD-62346.1 GCAGAGACAAGAAAACAAAdTdT 2228 4663-4681 UUUGUUUUCUUGUCUCUGCdTdT 2795 AD-62352.1 CAAGAAAACAAACAGCAUGdTdT 2229 4670-4688 CAUGCUGUUUGUUUUCUUGdTdT 2796 AD-62358.1 ACAGCAUGUAAACCAGAGAdTdT 2230 4681-4699 UCUCUGGUUUACAUGCUGUdTdT 2797 AD-62364.1 CCAGAGAUUGCAUAUGCUUdTdT 2231 4693-4711 AAGCAUAUGCAAUCUCUGGdTdT 2798 AD-62323.1 GCAUAUGCUUAUAAAGUUAdTdT 2232 4702-4720 UAACUUUAUAAGCAUAUGCdTdT 2799 AD-62329.1 UUAUAAAGUUAGCAUCACAdTdT 2233 4710-4728 UGUGAUGCUAACUUUAUAAdTdT 2800 AD-62335.1 CAUCACAUCCAUCACUGUAdTdT 2234 4722-4740 UACAGUGAUGGAUGUGAUGdTdT 2801 AD-62341.1 UCACUGUAGAAAAUGUUUUdTdT 2235 4733-4751 AAAACAUUUUCUACAGUGAdTdT 2802 AD-62347.1 AGAAAAUGUUUUUGUCAAGdTdT 2236 4740-4758 CUUGACAAAAACAUUUUCUdTdT 2803 AD-62353.1 UUUGUCAAGUACAAGGCAAdTdT 2237 4750-4768 UUGCCUUGUACUUGACAAAdTdT 2804 AD-62359.1 AGGCAACCCUUCUGGAUAUdTdT 2238 4763-4781 AUAUCCAGAAGGGUUGCCUdTdT 2805 AD-62365.1 CCUUCUGGAUAUCUACAAAdTdT 2239 4770-4788 UUUGUAGAUAUCCAGAAGGdTdT 2806 AD-62324.1 UAUCUACAAAACUGGGGAAdTdT 2240 4779-4797 UUCCCCAGUUUUGUAGAUAdTdT 2807 AD-62330.1 CUGGGGAAGCUGUUGCUGAdTdT 2241 4790-4808 UCAGCAACAGCUUCCCCAGdTdT 2808 AD-62336.1 CUGUUGCUGAGAAAGACUCdTdT 2242 4799-4817 GAGUCUUUCUCAGCAACAGdTdT 2809 AD-62342.1 GACUCUGAGAUUACCUUCAdTdT 2243 4813-4831 UGAAGGUAAUCUCAGAGUCdTdT 2810 AD-62348.1 GAGAUUACCUUCAUUAAAAdTdT 2244 4819-4837 UUUUAAUGAAGGUAAUCUCdTdT 2811 AD-62354.1 AUUAAAAAGGUAACCUGUAdTdT 2245 4831-4849 UACAGGUUACCUUUUUAAUdTdT 2812 AD-62360.1 UAACCUGUACUAACGCUGAdTdT 2246 4841-4859 UCAGCGUUAGUACAGGUUAdTdT 2813 AD-62366.1 CUAACGCUGAGCUGGUAAAdTdT 2247 4850-4868 UUUACCAGCUCAGCGUUAGdTdT 2814 AD-62325.1 GGUAAAAGGAAGACAGUACdTdT 2248 4863-4881 GUACUGUCUUCCUUUUACCdTdT 2815 AD-62331.1 GAAGACAGUACUUAAUUAUdTdT 2249 4871-4889 AUAAUUAAGUACUGUCUUCdTdT 2816 AD-62337.1 CUUAAUUAUGGGUAAAGAAdTdT 2250 4881-4899 UUCUUUACCCAUAAUUAAGdTdT 2817 AD-62343.1 UAAAGAAGCCCUCCAGAUAdTdT 2251 4893-4911 UAUCUGGAGGGCUUCUUUAdTdT 2818 AD-62349.1 CCUCCAGAUAAAAUACAAUdTdT 2252 4902-4920 AUUGUAUUUUAUCUGGAGGdTdT 2819 AD-62355.1 AAAUACAAUUUCAGUUUCAdTdT 2253 4912-4930 UGAAACUGAAAUUGUAUUUdTdT 2820 AD-62361.1 CAGUUUCAGGUACAUCUACdTdT 2254 4923-4941 GUAGAUGUACCUGAAACUGdTdT 2821 AD-62367.1 GGUACAUCUACCCUUUAGAdTdT 2255 4931-4949 UCUAAAGGGUAGAUGUACCdTdT 2822 AD-62373.1 CCUUUAGAUUCCUUGACCUdTdT 2256 4942-4960 AGGUCAAGGAAUCUAAAGGdTdT 2823 AD-62379.1 CCUUGACCUGGAUUGAAUAdTdT 2257 4952-4970 UAUUCAAUCCAGGUCAAGGdTdT 2824 AD-62385.1 GGAUUGAAUACUGGCCUAGdTdT 2258 4961-4979 CUAGGCCAGUAUUCAAUCCdTdT 2825 AD-62391.1 CUGGCCUAGAGACACAACAdTdT 2259 4971-4989 UGUUGUGUCUCUAGGCCAGdTdT 2826 AD-62397.1 GAGACACAACAUGUUCAUCdTdT 2260 4979-4997 GAUGAACAUGUUGUGUCUCdTdT 2827 AD-62403.1 GUUCAUCGUGUCAAGCAUUdTdT 2261 4991-5009 AAUGCUUGACACGAUGAACdTdT 2828 AD-62409.1 GUCAAGCAUUUUUAGCUAAdTdT 2262 5000-5018 UUAGCUAAAAAUGCUUGACdTdT 2829 AD-62368.1 AGCUAAUUUAGAUGAAUUUdTdT 2263 5013-5031 AAAUUCAUCUAAAUUAGCUdTdT 2830 AD-62374.1 AGAUGAAUUUGCCGAAGAUdTdT 2264 5022-5040 AUCUUCGGCAAAUUCAUCUdTdT 2831 AD-62380.1 CCGAAGAUAUCUUUUUAAAdTdT 2265 5033-5051 UUUAAAAAGAUAUCUUCGGdTdT 2832 AD-62386.1 CUUUUUAAAUGGAUGCUAAdTdT 2266 5043-5061 UUAGCAUCCAUUUAAAAAGdTdT 2833 AD-62392.1 GGAUGCUAAAAUUCCUGAAdTdT 2267 5053-5071 UUCAGGAAUUUUAGCAUCCdTdT 2834 AD-62398.1 UAAAAUUCCUGAAGUUCAGdTdT 2268 5059-5077 CUGAACUUCAGGAAUUUUAdTdT 2835 AD-62404.1 AGUUCAGCUGCAUACAGUUdTdT 2269 5071-5089 AACUGUAUGCAGCUGAACUdTdT 2836 AD-62410.1 GCAUACAGUUUGCACUUAUdTdT 2270 5080-5098 AUAAGUGCAAACUGUAUGCdTdT 2837 AD-62369.1 ACUUAUGGACUCCUGUUGUdTdT 2271 5093-5111 ACAACAGGAGUCCAUAAGUdTdT 2838 AD-62375.1 GGACUCCUGUUGUUGAAGUdTdT 2272 5099-5117 ACUUCAACAACAGGAGUCCdTdT 2839 AD-62381.1 UGUUGAAGUUCGUUUUUUUdTdT 2273 5109-5127 AAAAAAACGAACUUCAACAdTdT 2840 AD-62387.1 UUUUUUGUUUUCUUCUUUUdTdT 2274 5122-5140 AAAAGAAGAAAACAAAAAAdTdT 2841 AD-62393.1 UCUUCUUUUUUUAAACAUUdTdT 2275 5132-5150 AAUGUUUAAAAAAAGAAGAdTdT 2842 AD-62399.1 UUUUUAAACAUUCAUAGCUdTdT 2276 5139-5157 AGCUAUGAAUGUUUAAAAAdTdT 2843 AD-62405.1 AUAGCUGGUCUUAUUUGUAdTdT 2277 5152-5170 UACAAAUAAGACCAGCUAUdTdT 2844 AD-62411.1 GUCUUAUUUGUAAAGCUCAdTdT 2278 5159-5177 UGAGCUUUACAAAUAAGACdTdT 2845 AD-62370.1 AAAGCUCACUUUACUUAGAdTdT 2279 5170-5188 UCUAAGUAAAGUGAGCUUUdTdT 2846 AD-62376.1 ACUUAGAAUUAGUGGCACUdTdT 2280 5182-5200 AGUGCCACUAAUUCUAAGUdTdT 2847 AD-62382.1 AGUGGCACUUGCUUUUAUUdTdT 2281 5192-5210 AAUAAAAGCAAGUGCCACUdTdT 2848 AD-62388.1 GCUUUUAUUAGAGAAUGAUdTdT 2282 5202-5220 AUCAUUCUCUAAUAAAAGCdTdT 2849 AD-62394.1 GAGAAUGAUUUCAAAUGCUdTdT 2283 5212-5230 AGCAUUUGAAAUCAUUCUCdTdT 2850 AD-62400.1 UUUCAAAUGCUGUAACUUUdTdT 2284 5220-5238 AAAGUUACAGCAUUUGAAAdTdT 2851 AD-62406.1 GUAACUUUCUGAAAUAACAdTdT 2285 5231-5249 UGUUAUUUCAGAAAGUUACdTdT 2852 AD-62412.1 GAAAUAACAUGGCCUUGGAdTdT 2286 5241-5259 UCCAAGGCCAUGUUAUUUCdTdT 2853 AD-62371.1 CCUUGGAGGGCAUGAAGACdTdT 2287 5253-5271 GUCUUCAUGCCCUCCAAGGdTdT 2854 AD-62377.1 AGGGCAUGAAGACAGAUACdTdT 2288 5259-5277 GUAUCUGUCUUCAUGCCCUdTdT 2855 AD-62383.1 GAUACUCCUCCAAGGUUAUdTdT 2289 5273-5291 AUAACCUUGGAGGAGUAUCdTdT 2856 AD-62389.1 CCUCCAAGGUUAUUGGACAdTdT 2290 5279-5297 UGUCCAAUAACCUUGGAGGdTdT 2857 AD-62395.1 GGACACCGGAAACAAUAAAdTdT 2291 5293-5311 UUUAUUGUUUCCGGUGUCCdTdT 2858 AD-62401.1 GAAACAAUAAAUUGGAACAdTdT 2292 5301-5319 UGUUCCAAUUUAUUGUUUCdTdT 2859 AD-62407.1 AUUGGAACACCUCCUCAAAdTdT 2293 5311-5329 UUUGAGGAGGUGUUCCAAUdTdT 2860 AD-62413.1 UCCUCAAACCUACCACUCAdTdT 2294 5322-5340 UGAGUGGUAGGUUUGAGGAdTdT 2861 AD-62372.1 CUACCACUCAGGAAUGUUUdTdT 2295 5331-5349 AAACAUUCCUGAGUGGUAGdTdT 2862 AD-62378.1 AAUGUUUGCUGGGGCCGAAdTdT 2296 5343-5361 UUCGGCCCCAGCAAACAUUdTdT 2863 AD-62384.1 UGCUGGGGCCGAAAGAACAdTdT 2297 5349-5367 UGUUCUUUCGGCCCCAGCAdTdT 2864 AD-62390.1 AAAGAACAGUCCAUUGAAAdTdT 2298 5360-5378 UUUCAAUGGACUGUUCUUUdTdT 2865 AD-62396.1 CAUUGAAAGGGAGUAUUACdTdT 2299 5371-5389 GUAAUACUCCCUUUCAAUGdTdT 2866 AD-62402.1 GGAGUAUUACAAAAACAUGdTdT 2300 5380-5398 CAUGUUUUUGUAAUACUCCdTdT 2867 AD-62408.1 AAAACAUGGCCUUUGCUUGdTdT 2301 5391-5409 CAAGCAAAGGCCAUGUUUUdTdT 2868 AD-62414.1 GCCUUUGCUUGAAAGAAAAdTdT 2302 5399-5417 UUUUCUUUCAAGCAAAGGCdTdT 2869 AD-62415.1 GAAAGAAAAUACCAAGGAAdTdT 2303 5409-5427 UUCCUUGGUAUUUUCUUUCdTdT 2870 AD-62416.1 CCAAGGAACAGGAAACUGAdTdT 2304 5420-5438 UCAGUUUCCUGUUCCUUGGdTdT 2871 AD-62417.1 AACUGAUCAUUAAAGCCUGdTdT 2305 5433-5451 CAGGCUUUAAUGAUCAGUUdTdT 2872

TABLE 22 C5 single dose screen (10 mM) in Hep3B cells with dT modified iRNAs Duplex ID Avg. % message remaining AD-61779.2 43.2 AD-61785.2 22.5 AD-61791.2 27.3 AD-61797.2 30.5 AD-61803.2 30.9 AD-61809.2 75.1 AD-61815.2 90.7 AD-61821.2 33.7 AD-61780.2 53.5 AD-61786.2 34.4 AD-61792.2 27.5 AD-61798.2 23.3 AD-61804.2 23.6 AD-61810.2 33.4 AD-61816.2 39.7 AD-61822.2 24.9 AD-61781.2 31.2 AD-61787.2 22.8 AD-61793.2 28.4 AD-61799.2 91 AD-61805.2 22.1 AD-61811.2 90.9 AD-61817.2 26.1 AD-61823.2 41.3 AD-61782.2 42.5 AD-61788.2 28.9 AD-61794.2 133.5 AD-61800.2 27.9 AD-61806.2 42.8 AD-61812.2 26.9 AD-61818.2 30.6 AD-61824.2 29.3 AD-61783.2 61.3 AD-61789.2 25.5 AD-61795.2 34.2 AD-61801.2 24.2 AD-61807.2 42.8 AD-61813.2 31 AD-61819.2 42.2 AD-61825.2 31 AD-61784.2 34.1 AD-61790.2 26.8 AD-61796.2 34.6 AD-61802.2 30 AD-61808.2 23.5 AD-61814.2 45.3 AD-61820.2 56 AD-61826.2 31.6 AD-61832.2 36.2 AD-61838.2 39.7 AD-61844.2 37 AD-61850.2 66.3 AD-61856.2 172.6 AD-61862.2 41.3 AD-61868.2 32.2 AD-61827.2 52.7 AD-61833.2 29.6 AD-61839.2 41.5 AD-61845.2 29.7 AD-61851.2 37 AD-61857.2 34.9 AD-61863.2 33.3 AD-61869.2 38.2 AD-61828.2 30.3 AD-61834.2 27.1 AD-61840.2 64.3 AD-61846.2 42 AD-61852.2 25.2 AD-61858.2 96.7 AD-61864.2 29.6 AD-61870.2 30.5 AD-61829.2 92.7 AD-61835.2 24.8 AD-61841.2 59.2 AD-61847.2 30.9 AD-61853.2 35.2 AD-61859.2 40.1 AD-61865.2 42.3 AD-61871.2 55.8 AD-61830.2 162.9 AD-61836.2 28.8 AD-61842.2 18.2 AD-61848.2 25 AD-61854.2 42.3 AD-61860.2 41.7 AD-61866.2 28.9 AD-61872.2 64.7 AD-61831.2 16.9 AD-61837.2 24.9 AD-61843.2 27.5 AD-61849.2 25.8 AD-61855.2 20 AD-61861.2 28.6 AD-61867.2 18 AD-62062.1 22 AD-62068.1 29.9 AD-62074.1 40.2 AD-62080.1 30.4 AD-62086.1 21 AD-62092.1 20 AD-62098.1 38.4 AD-62104.1 42.7 AD-62063.1 26.6 AD-62069.1 55.6 AD-62075.1 114.4 AD-62081.1 21.2 AD-62087.1 33.8 AD-62093.1 26.3 AD-62099.1 23.9 AD-62105.1 30.1 AD-62064.1 32 AD-62070.1 135.7 AD-62076.1 84.3 AD-62082.1 42.3 AD-62088.1 36.5 AD-62094.1 66 AD-62100.1 66.4 AD-62106.1 33.9 AD-62065.1 33 AD-62071.1 38.4 AD-62077.1 27.8 AD-62083.1 44.7 AD-62089.1 42.7 AD-62095.1 46.6 AD-62101.1 35.3 AD-62107.1 29.9 AD-62066.1 33.5 AD-62072.1 27.5 AD-62078.1 49.9 AD-62084.1 117.6 AD-62090.1 44 AD-62096.1 33.5 AD-62102.1 39.2 AD-62108.1 69.5 AD-62067.1 32.3 AD-62073.1 81.1 AD-62079.1 46.8 AD-62085.1 31.6 AD-62091.1 32 AD-62097.1 35.3 AD-62103.1 35.6 AD-62109.1 24.7 AD-62115.1 25.7 AD-62121.1 23.1 AD-62127.1 36.3 AD-62133.1 50.9 AD-62139.1 84.1 AD-62145.1 90.8 AD-62151.1 56.9 AD-62110.1 26 AD-62116.1 145.5 AD-62122.1 198.7 AD-62128.1 178.4 AD-62134.1 52.4 AD-62140.1 55.6 AD-62146.1 47.2 AD-62152.1 16.4 AD-62111.1 49.3 AD-62117.1 46.2 AD-62123.1 95.1 AD-62129.1 156.2 AD-62135.1 62 AD-62141.1 128.1 AD-62147.1 146.2 AD-62153.1 35.5 AD-62112.1 43 AD-62118.1 32 AD-62124.1 48.4 AD-62130.1 49.4 AD-62136.1 141.9 AD-62142.1 38.7 AD-62148.1 165.2 AD-62154.1 94.7 AD-62113.1 52.5 AD-62119.1 44 AD-62125.1 129.9 AD-62131.1 68.9 AD-62137.1 106 AD-62143.1 176.1 AD-62149.1 201.3 AD-62155.1 143.3 AD-62114.1 22.8 AD-62120.1 34.6 AD-62126.1 44.6 AD-62132.1 39.5 AD-62138.1 34.5 AD-62144.1 28 AD-62150.1 22.1 AD-62156.1 44.1 AD-62162.1 19.8 AD-62168.1 17.3 AD-62174.1 27 AD-62180.1 15.8 AD-62186.1 20.5 AD-62192.1 33.9 AD-62198.1 14 AD-62157.1 19.3 AD-62163.1 15.4 AD-62169.1 23.6 AD-62175.1 29.6 AD-62181.1 26.4 AD-62187.1 28.8 AD-62193.1 22.9 AD-62199.1 16.4 AD-62158.1 18.5 AD-62164.1 19.1 AD-62170.1 15 AD-62176.1 62.7 AD-62182.1 70.8 AD-62188.1 81.1 AD-62194.1 63.6 AD-62200.1 21.6 AD-62159.1 42.8 AD-62165.1 27.7 AD-62171.1 31.9 AD-62177.1 29.6 AD-62183.1 25.2 AD-62189.1 32.7 AD-62195.1 73.1 AD-62201.1 35.6 AD-62160.1 56.5 AD-62166.1 115.1 AD-62172.1 107.4 AD-62178.1 71.3 AD-62184.1 27.2 AD-62190.1 37.2 AD-62196.1 19.5 AD-62202.1 19.4 AD-62161.1 23.7 AD-62167.1 24.4 AD-62173.1 36 AD-62179.1 50.5 AD-62185.1 40.5 AD-62191.1 39.3 AD-62197.1 39.4 AD-62203.1 34.1 AD-62209.1 34.6 AD-62215.1 31 AD-62221.1 16.3 AD-62227.1 68.5 AD-62233.1 34.3 AD-62239.1 37.2 AD-62245.1 31.2 AD-62204.1 33 AD-62210.1 29 AD-62216.1 38.7 AD-62222.1 34.5 AD-62228.1 30.3 AD-62234.1 15.2 AD-62240.1 26.2 AD-62246.1 40.4 AD-62205.1 17.1 AD-62211.1 20.9 AD-62217.1 49.8 AD-62223.1 40 AD-62229.1 26.7 AD-62235.1 21.5 AD-62241.1 46.2 AD-62247.1 40.4 AD-62206.1 42.2 AD-62212.1 51.7 AD-62218.1 26 AD-62224.1 40.3 AD-62230.1 32.8 AD-62236.1 52.4 AD-62242.1 33.1 AD-62248.1 18 AD-62207.1 19.7 AD-62213.1 43.4 AD-62219.1 39.8 AD-62225.1 34.3 AD-62231.1 37.2 AD-62237.1 25.9 AD-62243.1 19.8 AD-62249.1 13.8 AD-62208.1 13.7 AD-62214.1 16.6 AD-62220.1 25.2 AD-62226.1 27 AD-62232.1 36.5 AD-62238.1 51.5 AD-62244.1 31.5 AD-61874.1 27.1 AD-61880.1 30.8 AD-61886.1 30.4 AD-61892.1 48.9 AD-61898.1 24.7 AD-61904.1 125.9 AD-61910.1 45.7 AD-61916.1 25.7 AD-61875.1 33.4 AD-61881.1 64 AD-61887.1 36.7 AD-61893.1 22.9 AD-61899.1 84.5 AD-61905.1 32.1 AD-61911.1 23.7 AD-61917.1 22.1 AD-61876.1 47.3 AD-61882.1 26.5 AD-61888.1 27.7 AD-61894.1 64.8 AD-61900.1 89.8 AD-61906.1 22.4 AD-61912.1 19.8 AD-61918.1 37.1 AD-61877.1 145 AD-61883.1 31.5 AD-61889.1 33.9 AD-61895.1 37.5 AD-61901.1 26.1 AD-61907.1 33 AD-61913.1 33.1 AD-61919.1 36.6 AD-61878.1 26.9 AD-61884.1 33.9 AD-61890.1 37.2 AD-61896.1 41.7 AD-61902.1 58.6 AD-61908.1 28 AD-61914.1 31.4 AD-61920.1 27.1 AD-61879.1 33.1 AD-61885.1 33.7 AD-61891.1 41.3 AD-61897.1 39.4 AD-61903.1 51.5 AD-61909.1 48.6 AD-61915.1 122.4 AD-61921.1 66.4 AD-61927.1 40.5 AD-61933.1 27.7 AD-61939.1 28.1 AD-61945.1 30 AD-61951.1 33.7 AD-61957.1 32.6 AD-61963.1 17 AD-61922.1 32.9 AD-61928.1 28.3 AD-61934.1 24 AD-61940.1 28.2 AD-61946.1 33.2 AD-61952.1 167.9 AD-61958.1 37 AD-61964.1 30.6 AD-61923.1 51.2 AD-61929.1 29.4 AD-61935.1 61 AD-61941.1 29.5 AD-61947.1 28.9 AD-61953.1 23.7 AD-61959.1 18.9 AD-61965.1 17 AD-61924.1 24.1 AD-61930.1 31.9 AD-61936.1 36.9 AD-61942.1 13.8 AD-61948.1 40.2 AD-61954.1 41.8 AD-61960.1 24.1 AD-61966.1 18.9 AD-61925.1 52.4 AD-61931.1 25.8 AD-61937.1 19.1 AD-61943.1 27.8 AD-61949.1 26.5 AD-61955.1 83.8 AD-61961.1 26 AD-61967.1 16.3 AD-61926.1 17.8 AD-61932.1 18.6 AD-61938.1 31.9 AD-61944.1 29.5 AD-61950.1 57.8 AD-61956.1 42.1 AD-61962.1 30 AD-61968.1 29.1 AD-61974.1 50.8 AD-61980.1 19.7 AD-61986.1 36.4 AD-61992.1 36.3 AD-61998.1 18.3 AD-62004.1 14 AD-62010.1 56.8 AD-61969.1 30 AD-61975.1 51.1 AD-61981.1 37.6 AD-61987.1 32.5 AD-61993.1 23.4 AD-61999.1 43.8 AD-62005.1 23.8 AD-62011.1 32.7 AD-61970.1 39.6 AD-61976.1 27.5 AD-61982.1 64.9 AD-61988.1 29.5 AD-61994.1 40.5 AD-62006.1 42.1 AD-62012.1 21 AD-61971.1 27.1 AD-61977.1 23.4 AD-61983.1 57.5 AD-61989.1 25.8 AD-61995.1 18.2 AD-62001.1 29.7 AD-62007.1 106.4 AD-62013.1 36.1 AD-61972.1 40.5 AD-61978.1 49.1 AD-61984.1 24.3 AD-61990.1 38.8 AD-61996.1 40.5 AD-62002.1 32.5 AD-62008.1 35.3 AD-62014.1 23.6 AD-61973.1 39.3 AD-61979.1 27.4 AD-61985.1 31.3 AD-61991.1 34.9 AD-61997.1 29.2 AD-62003.1 25.9 AD-62009.1 21.1 AD-62056.1 16.3 AD-62015.1 139.3 AD-62021.1 36.4 AD-62027.1 42.4 AD-62033.1 62 AD-62039.1 35.2 AD-62045.1 30.8 AD-62051.1 22.9 AD-62057.1 31.8 AD-62016.1 29.2 AD-62022.1 36.9 AD-62028.1 52.6 AD-62034.1 31 AD-62040.1 30.7 AD-62046.1 28.2 AD-62052.1 23.7 AD-62058.1 77.9 AD-62017.1 41 AD-62023.1 27 AD-62029.1 31.8 AD-62035.1 46.4 AD-62041.1 25.3 AD-62047.1 20 AD-62053.1 37.1 AD-62059.1 31 AD-62018.1 37.8 AD-62024.1 34.7 AD-62030.1 50.4 AD-62036.1 25.5 AD-62042.1 32.5 AD-62048.1 28.3 AD-62054.1 55.6 AD-62060.1 26.9 AD-62019.1 29 AD-62025.1 78.5 AD-62031.1 152.8 AD-62037.1 27.3 AD-62043.1 33.8 AD-62049.1 46 AD-62055.1 24.5 AD-62061.1 30.5 AD-62020.1 25.1 AD-62026.1 24.9 AD-62032.1 23 AD-62038.1 21.2 AD-62044.1 34.1 AD-62050.1 22.4 AD-62320.1 16.6 AD-62326.1 16.6 AD-62332.1 15.4 AD-62338.1 41.9 AD-62344.1 19.6 AD-62350.1 32.3 AD-62356.1 20.4 AD-62362.1 27.8 AD-62321.1 18.7 AD-62327.1 14.8 AD-62333.1 22.2 AD-62339.1 134.5 AD-62345.1 32.1 AD-62351.1 35.6 AD-62357.1 31 AD-62363.1 28.2 AD-62322.1 45.1 AD-62328.1 30.1 AD-62334.1 39.1 AD-62340.1 24.3 AD-62346.1 35.4 AD-62352.1 33.8 AD-62358.1 45.7 AD-62364.1 19.7 AD-62323.1 40.5 AD-62329.1 57.5 AD-62335.1 27.6 AD-62341.1 69.2 AD-62347.1 125.9 AD-62353.1 53.1 AD-62359.1 38.1 AD-62365.1 23.6 AD-62324.1 27.1 AD-62330.1 25.1 AD-62336.1 25.3 AD-62342.1 45.4 AD-62348.1 91.6 AD-62354.1 132.1 AD-62360.1 31.6 AD-62366.1 14.2 AD-62325.1 27.9 AD-62331.1 31.5 AD-62337.1 33.9 AD-62343.1 36.1 AD-62349.1 37.6 AD-62355.1 38.8 AD-62361.1 46.1 AD-62367.1 23.6 AD-62373.1 32.1 AD-62379.1 29.6 AD-62385.1 35.7 AD-62391.1 33.7 AD-62397.1 54.1 AD-62403.1 34.8 AD-62409.1 28.2 AD-62368.1 29.7 AD-62374.1 29.6 AD-62380.1 30.6 AD-62386.1 23.4 AD-62392.1 30.5 AD-62398.1 48.7 AD-62404.1 24.8 AD-62410.1 21.9 AD-62369.1 27.4 AD-62375.1 31.9 AD-62381.1 27.3 AD-62387.1 77 AD-62393.1 93.3 AD-62399.1 150.2 AD-62405.1 28.5 AD-62411.1 19.4 AD-62370.1 16.3 AD-62376.1 48.2 AD-62382.1 28.5 AD-62388.1 49.9 AD-62394.1 29.9 AD-62400.1 45.2 AD-62406.1 23 AD-62412.1 45.5 AD-62371.1 66.5 AD-62377.1 49.5 AD-62383.1 73.8 AD-62389.1 82.4 AD-62395.1 31.8 AD-62401.1 31.2 AD-62407.1 30.2 AD-62413.1 28.1 AD-62372.1 43 AD-62378.1 17.9 AD-62384.1 29.6 AD-62390.1 37.7 AD-62396.1 26 AD-62402.1 31.6 AD-62408.1 46.6 AD-62414.1 27.2 AD-62415.1 17.6 AD-62416.1 25.3 AD-62417.1 36.3 AD-61779.2 43.2 AD-61785.2 22.5 AD-61791.2 27.3 AD-61797.2 30.5 AD-61803.2 30.9 AD-61809.2 75.1 AD-61815.2 90.7 AD-61821.2 33.7 AD-61780.2 53.5 AD-61786.2 34.4 AD-61792.2 27.5 AD-61798.2 23.3 AD-61804.2 23.6

Example 7. In Vivo Screening of Additional siRNAs

Based on the sequence of AD-58643, an additional four sense and three antisense sequences were synthesized and used to prepare twelve, 21/25 mer compounds (Table 23). In general, the antisense strands of these compounds were extended with a dTdT and the duplexes had fewer fluoro-modified nucleotides.

C57BL/6 mice (N=3 per group) were injected subcutaneously with 1 mg/kg of these GalNAc conjugated duplexes, serum was collected on day 0 pre-bleed, and day 5, and the levels of C5 proteins were quantified by ELISA. C5 protein levels were normalized to the day 0 pre-bleed level.

FIG. 14 shows the results of an in vivo single dose screen with the indicated iRNAs. Data are expressed as percent of C5 protein remaining relative to pre-bleed levels. Those iRNAs having improved efficacy as compared to the parent compound included AD-62510, AD-62643, AD-62645, AD-62646, AD-62650, and AD-62651. These iRNAs also demonstrated similar potencies (IC₅₀ of about 23-59 μM).

The efficacy of these iRNAs was also tested in C57Bl/6 mice using a single-dosing administration protocol. Mice were subcutaneously administered AD-62510, AD-62643, AD-62645, AD-62646, AD-62650, and AD-62651 at a 0.25 mg/kg, 0.5 mg/kg, 1.0 mg/kg, or 2.5 mg/kg dose. Serum was collected at days 0 and 5 and analyzed for C5 protein levels by ELISA. C5 levels were normalized to the day 0 pre-bleed level.

FIG. 15 shows that there is a dose response with all of the tested iRNAs and that single-dosing of all of these iRNAs achieved silencing of C5 protein similar to or better than AD-58641.

The duration of silencing of AD-62510, AD-62643, AD-62645, AD-62646, AD-62650, and AD-62651 in vivo was determined by administering a single 1.0 mg/kg dose to C57Bl/6 mice and determining the amount of C5 protein present on days 6, 13, 20, 27, and 34 by ELISA. C5 levels were normalized to the day 0 pre-bleed level.

As demonstrated in FIG. 16 , each of the iRNAs tested has the same recovery kinetics as AD-62643 trending toward the best silencing, but within the error of the assay.

AD-62510, AD-62643, AD-62645, AD-62646, AD-62650, and AD-62651 were further tested for efficacy and to evaluate the cumulative effect of the iRNAs in rats using a repeat administration protocol. Wild-type Sprague Dawley rats were subcutaneously injected with each of the iRNAs at a 5.0 mg/kg/dose on days 0, 4, and 7. Serum was collected on days 0, 4, 7, 11, 14, 18, 25, 28, and 32. Serum hemolytic activity was quantified as described above.

The results depicted in FIG. 17 demonstrate that all of the tested iRNAs have a potent and durable decrease in hemolytic activity and a similar recovery of hemolysis to that observed with AD-58641 treatment.

TABLE 23 Modified Sense and Antisense Strand Sequences of GalNAc-Conjugated C5 dsRNAs. Duplex SEQ ID SEQ ID ID sense ID Sense (5′ to 3′) NO: AS ID Antisense (5′ to 3′) NO: AD-58643 A-119326.1 AfsasGfcAfaGfaUfAfUfuUfuUfaUfaAfuAfL96 2873 A-119327.1 usAfsuUfaUfaAfaAfauaUfcUfuGfcUfususu 2886 AD-62642 A-125167.7 asasGfcAfaGfaUfAfUfuUfuuAfuAfauaL96 2874 A-125139.1 usAfsuuaUfaAfaAfauaUfcUfuGfcuususudTdT 2887 AD-62510 A-125167.7 asasGfcAfaGfaUfAfUfuUfuuAfuAfauaL96 2875 A-125173.2 usAfsUfuAfuAfAfaAfauaUfcUfuGfcuususudTdT 2888 AD-62643 A-125167.7 asasGfcAfaGfaUfAfUfuUfuuAfuAfauaL96 2876 A-125647.1 usAfsUfuAfuaAfaAfauaUfcUfuGfcuususudTdT 2889 AD-62644 A-125157.17 asasGfcAfaGfaUfAfUfuUfuuAfuaAfuaL96 2877 A-125139.1 usAfsuuaUfaAfaAfauaUfcUfuGfcuususudTdT 2890 AD-62645 A-125157.17 asasGfcAfaGfaUfAfUfuUfuuAfuaAfuaL96 2878 A-125173.2 usAfsUfuAfuAfAfaAfauaUfcUfuGfcuususudTdT 2891 AD-62646 A-125157.17 asasGfcAfaGfaUfAfUfuUfuuAfuaAfuaL96 2879 A-125647.1 usAfsUfuAfuaAfaAfauaUfcUfuGfcuususudTdT 2892 AD-62647 A-125134.1 asasgcaagauaUfuuuua(Tgn)aauaL96 2880 A-125139.1 usAfsuuaUfaAfaAfauaUfcUfuGfcuususudTdT 2893 AD-62648 A-125134.1 asasgcaagauaUfuuuua(Tgn)aauaL96 2881 A-125173.2 usAfsUfuAfuAfAfaAfauaUfcUfuGfcuususudTdT 2894 AD-62649 A-125134.1 asasgcaagauaUfuuuua(Tgn)aauaL96 2882 A-125647.1 usAfsUfuAfuaAfaAfauaUfcUfuGfcuususudTdT 2895 AD-62428 A-125127.2 asasgcaagaUfaUfuuuuauaauaL96 2883 A-125139.1 usAfsuuaUfaAfaAfauaUfcUfuGfcuususudTdT 2896 AD-62650 A-125127.2 asasgcaagaUfaUfuuuuauaauaL96 2884 A-125173.2 usAfsUfuAfuAfAfaAfauaUfcUfuGfcuususudTdT 2897 AD-62651 A-125127.2 asasgcaagaUfaUfuuuuauaauaL96 2885 A-125647.1 usAfsUfuAfuaAfaAfauaUfcUfuGfcuususudTdT 2898 

We claim:
 1. A double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) agent for inhibiting expression of complement component C5, wherein said dsRNA comprises a sense strand and an antisense strand forming a double stranded region 15-30 nucleotide pairs in length, wherein said sense strand comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from nucleotides 769-821 of SEQ ID NO:1 and said antisense strand comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from the corresponding nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:5, wherein all of the nucleotides of the sense strand and all of the nucleotides of the antisense strand comprise a nucleotide modification.
 2. The dsRNA agent of claim 1, wherein the sense strand comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from nucleotides 780-802 of SEQ ID NO:1.
 3. The dsRNA agent of claim 1, wherein at least one of said nucleotide modifications is selected from the group consisting of a 3′-terminal deoxy-thymine (dT) nucleotide modification, a 2′-O-methyl nucleotide modification, a 2′-fluoro nucleotide modification, a 2′-deoxy-nucleotide modification, a locked nucleotide modification, an abasic nucleotide modification, a 2′-amino-nucleotide modification, a 2′-alkyl-nucleotide modification, a morpholino nucleotide modification, a phosphoramidate modification, a non-natural base comprising nucleotide modification, a nucleotide comprising a 5′-phosphorothioate group modification, and a terminal nucleotide linked to a cholesteryl derivative or a dodecanoic acid bisdecylamide group modification.
 4. The dsRNA agent of claim 1, wherein each strand is no more than 30 nucleotides in length.
 5. The dsRNA agent of claim 1, wherein at least one strand comprises a 3′ overhang of at least 1 nucleotide; or at least one strand comprises a 3′ overhang of at least 2 nucleotides.
 6. The dsRNA agent of claim 1, further comprising a ligand.
 7. The dsRNA agent of claim 6, wherein the ligand is conjugated to the 3′ end of the sense strand of the dsRNA agent.
 8. The dsRNA agent of claim 6, wherein the ligand is an N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) derivative.
 9. The dsRNA agent of claim 8, wherein the ligand is


10. The dsRNA agent of claim 8, wherein the dsRNA agent is conjugated to the ligand as shown in the following schematic

and, wherein X is O or S.
 11. The dsRNA agent of claim 1, wherein the double-stranded region is 15-30 nucleotide pairs in length; 17-23 nucleotide pairs in length; 7-25 nucleotide pairs in length; 23-27 nucleotide pairs in length; 19-21 nucleotide pairs in length; or 21-23 nucleotide pairs in length.
 12. The dsRNA agent of claim 1, wherein each strand is 15-30 nucleotides in length; or 19-30 nucleotides in length.
 13. The dsRNA agent of claim 1, wherein the agent further comprises at least one phosphorothioate or methylphosphonate internucleotide linkage.
 14. An isolated cell containing the dsRNA agent of claim
 1. 15. A pharmaceutical composition for inhibiting expression of a complement component C5 gene comprising the dsRNA agent of claim
 1. 16. The dsRNA agent of claim 1, wherein the nucleotide modifications are independently selected from the group consisting of 2′-O-methyl nucleotide modifications, 2′-fluoro nucleotide modifications, and deoxy-thymine (dT) nucleotide modifications.
 17. The dsRNA agent of claim 13, wherein the phosphorothioate or methylphosphonate internucleotide linkage is at the 3′-terminus of one strand.
 18. The dsRNA agent of claim 17, wherein said strand is the antisense strand.
 19. The dsRNA agent of claim 17, wherein said strand is the sense strand.
 20. The dsRNA agent of claim 13, wherein the phosphorothioate or methylphosphonate internucleotide linkage is at the 5′-terminus of one strand.
 21. The dsRNA agent of claim 20, wherein said strand is the antisense strand.
 22. The dsRNA agent of claim 20, wherein said strand is the sense strand.
 23. The dsRNA agent of claim 13, wherein the phosphorothioate or methylphosphonate internucleotide linkage is at both the 5′- and 3′-terminus of one strand.
 24. The dsRNA agent of claim 23, wherein said strand is the antisense strand.
 25. The dsRNA agent of 49, wherein the dsRNA agent comprises 6-8 phosphorothioate internucleotide linkages.
 26. The dsRNA agent of claim 25, wherein the antisense strand comprises two phosphorothioate internucleotide linkages at the 5′-terminus and two phosphorothioate internucleotide linkages at the 3′-terminus, and the sense strand comprises at least two phosphorothioate internucleotide linkages at either the 5′-terminus or the 3′-terminus.
 27. The dsRNA agent of claim 1, wherein the antisense strand comprises at least 17 contiguous nucleotides differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from the nucleotide sequence of 5′-UAUUAUAAAAAUAUCUUGCUUUU-3′ (SEQ ID NO:113).
 28. The dsRNA agent of claim 1, wherein the sense strand comprises at least 17 contiguous nucleotides differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from the nucleotide sequence of 5′-AAGCAAGAUAUUUUUAUAAUA-3′ (SEQ ID NO:62), and the antisense strand comprises at least 17 contiguous nucleotides differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from the nucleotide sequence of 5′-UAUUAUAAAAAUAUCUUGCUUUU-3′ (SEQ ID NO:113).
 29. The dsRNA agent of claim 1, wherein the antisense strand comprises the nucleotide sequence of 5′-UAUUAUAAAAAUAUCUUGCUUUU-3′ (SEQ ID NO:113).
 30. The dsRNA agent of claim 1, wherein the sense strand consists of the nucleotide sequence of 5′-AAGCAAGAUAUUUUUAUAAUA-3′ (SEQ ID NO:62), and the antisense strand consists of the nucleotide sequence of 5′-UAUUAUAAAAAUAUCUUGCUUUU-3′ (SEQ ID NO:113).
 31. The dsRNA agent of claim 30, wherein the sense strand consists of 5′-asasGfcAfaGfaUfAfUfuUfuuAfuAfaua-3′ (SEQ ID NO:2876) and the antisense strand consists of 5′-usAfsUfuAfuaAfaAfauaUfcUfuGfcuususudTdT-3′ (SEQ ID NO:2889), wherein a, g, c and u are 2′-O-methyl (2′-OMe) A, G, C, and U, respectively; Af, Gf, Cf and Uf are 2′-fluoro A, G, C and U, respectively; dT is a deoxy-thymine nucleotide; and s is a phosphorothioate linkage.
 32. The dsRNA agent of claim 31, wherein the sense and antisense strands consist of the nucleotide sequences selected from the group consisting of 5′-AfaGfcAfaGfaUfAfUfulifuUfaUfaAfuAf-3′ (SEQ ID NO:122) and 5′-uAfuUfaUfaAfaAfauaUfcUfuGfcUfusUfsu-3′ (SEQ ID NO:173); 5′-AfsasGfcAfaGfaUfAffifulifuUfaUfaAfuAf-3′ (SEQ ID NO:164) and 5′-usAfsuUfaUfaAfaAfauaUfcUfuGfcUfususu-3′ (SEQ ID NO:215); 5′-asasGfcAfaGfaUfAffifulifuuAfuAfaua-3′ (SEQ ID NO:2875) and 5′-usAfsUfuAfuAfAfaAfauaUfcUfuGfcuususudTdT-3′ (SEQ ID NO:2888); 5′-asasGfcAfaGfaUfAfUfuUfuuAfuAfaua-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 2876) and 5′-usAfsUfuAfuaAfaAfauaUfcUfuGfcuususudTdT-3′ (SEQ ID NO:2889); 5′-asasGfcAfaGfaUfAffifulifuuAfuaAfua-3′ (SEQ ID NO:2878) and 5′-usAfsUfuAfuAfAfaAfauaUfcUfuGfcuususudTdT-3′ (SEQ ID NO:2891); 5′-asasGfcAfaGfaUfAffifulifuuAfuaAfua-3′ (SEQ ID NO:2879) and 5′-usAfsUfuAfuaAfaAfauaUfcUfuGfcuususudTdT-3′ (SEQ ID NO:2892); 5′-asasgcaagaUfaUfuuuuauaaua-3′ (SEQ ID NO:2884) and 5′-usAfsUfuAfuAfAfaAfauaUfcUfuGfcuususudTdT-3′ (SEQ ID NO:2897); and 5′-asasgcaagaUfaUfuuuuauaaua-3′ (SEQ ID NO:2885) and 5′-usAfsUfuAfuaAfaAfauaUfcUfuGfcuususudTdT-3′ (SEQ ID NO:2898), wherein a, g, c and u are 2′-O-methyl (2′OMe) A, G, C, and U, respectively; Af, Gg, Cf and Uf are 2′-fluoro A, G, C and U, respectively; dT is a deoxy-thymine nucleotide; and s is a phosphorothioate linkage. 